Keep your office air germ-free – lessons from a South African hospital
It feels like just yesterday we were dreading the start of winter, and now, springtime is around the corner. But you know what’s also just around the corner? Season-changing sniffles and sneezes. They’re bound to hit your office, which means that germs will be spreading faster than ever. Given the current pandemic, germs taking over your office is not an option and finding a way to provide safe, breathable air in your workspace should be non-negotiable.
Businesses are taking additional measures to keep their spaces germ free – wiping down surfaces, sanitising hands and making mask-wearing mandatory - but if they’re ignoring the air around them, they’re making a mistake. A flexible air handling solution might just be the most important thing a business can look into to provide employees with fresh, safe indoor air at a comfortable temperature. And who better to learn from than hospitals? They are experts at maintaining germ-free environments after all.
Can an air conditioner reduce germs?
Ensuring proper air circulation in enclosed spaces means that contaminated air flows out of the system while fresh, breathable air flows in. An air conditioner with a proper air purification system literally filters out particles, including pollen, dust and bacteria, so that less of the bad stuff lingers in the office air.
With research now showing that the coronavirus is potentially airborne, there’s no better time to look into the state of your building’s air conditioning system. Companies and their employees could be at risk if their current air conditioners are unable to properly filter and purify the air. Consulting a building expert will help you in determining whether or not your current system needs to be upgraded.
In addition to air conditioners, tech like UV lights and bipolar ionisation can be used to neutralise viruses and bacteria by releasing electrically charged atoms that attach to whatever pathogens are present in the environment. Although these methods were previously only used in hospitals, this is no longer the case.
How do hospitals keep the air clean?
So what do hospitals do to keep the air safe for patients and staff? Of course, they take stringent precautions when it comes to wearing masks and sanitising absolutely everything, but they also think about the air in the building.
To cope with the sudden influx of COVID-19 cases, Clairwood hospital in Durban turned their general wards into isolation and quarantine wards. Unfortunately, the wards lacked the equipment needed to follow the hygiene and maintenance requirements for treating these patients. LG stepped in to offer a hybrid package solution using optimum filtration levels to provide air that was clean enough for their ICU.
LG’s state of the art VRF Multi V5 units was used during this project and have been equipped with temperature and humidity sensors for precise monitoring and control. Because the units are equipped with LG’s communication module, they can be integrated with all types of DX-AHUs to either discharge air or return air control.
As we move into the happy, colourful time that is spring, it’s important to stay aware of the ongoing pandemic. Businesses can help keep their employees safe with something as simple as an air handling system, and LG can advise them on what will work for their needs.
LG’s Air Handling Unit provides a better indoor environment with an energy-efficient system during all seasons, making it the perfect office companion.
