Blind Cleaning – Metal

Blind Cleaning – Metal
1 Operatives to check all PPE, cleaning equipment and chemicals required for the task. Refer to COSHH assessments supplied for chemicals being used. Operatives to set out all ‘Caution/Warning’ signage required and cordon off cleaning area prior to work commencing.
2  Operatives to ensure that all furniture and trip hazards have been moved away from windows to provide a free access as possible. Team leader to perform walk through to ensure safe working and to identify any potential hazards. Please see site specific risk assessment on working with heights. Removal of blind
3  Operatives to erect access equipment e.g.. stepladder or ladder in the correct and safe manner. Ladders to be erected at the correct angle of 1:4 (75º). If working between 2-6 metres height ladders must be footed or an approved ladder stopper or stabiliser used.
4  Remove blind by loosening support screws. Team leader to ensure that two operatives are involved in removal. Cleaning
5  Remove as required and clean utilising a mystol dilute cleaning solution (diluted 1:10).  Back pack vacuum cleaner and brush systems may also be utilised

A serious concern

A serious concern in Florida is that the dirt that gets into air conditioning ducts often becomes caked and will be difficult to remove by cleaning methods currently available. When an air conditioner is operating, the air in the ducts is cool and saturated with moisture. Dirt particles exposed to this humid air take up moisture and can stick together and to surfaces in the ducts. Fiberglass lining in ducts make cleaning virtually impossible. The following comments were made at the Symposium, 1990 Indoor Air Quality in Homes: Synthesizing the Issues and Educating Consumers." In answering the question Can you minimize problems from furnace ducts by cleaning them?, Dr. Thad Godish2 replied: "A lot of fiberglass ducts are used, and in high humidity environments, they are going to trap organic dust which can result in mold and bacteria growing on them. In response to that, a number of companies are selling service which really is not going to do much good simply because the ducts get recontaminated so quickly. It is not possible for the cleaning to be as effective as it needs to be. One of the problems with fiberglass ducts is that they have a very rough surface which makes an excellent trap for dust. A lot of dust is organic dust, and if you have organic dust you are going to get the growth of mold and bacteria."

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Studies indicate that 10%-30% of the heated or cooled air is lost—along with the money spent to heat or cool that air—through leaky ducts. Properly sized, installed, and sealed ductwork will make your heating and cooling systems significantly more efficient. Energy loss is not the only concern. Duct systems can also involve the comfort of your family, employees, tenants, or customers, as well as your indoor air quality. Testing the ducts will locate leaks or damage and focus repair work in the right areas. A properly operating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will help reduce overall energy use—especially during hot summer days when air conditioners are working harder and putting a strain on the electric system—and will deliver greater comfort and cleaner air to every room