Preferred Vacuum Tests (PVTs)
Even when in constant use, it is perfectly normal for ventilation ducts to accumulate dust particles, contaminants and bacteria over time. Each of these can have a negative impact on the system’s performance and efficiency, as well as on the overall indoor air quality. What’s more, if left for too long, a build-up of debris can pose a fire risk, while bacteria growth can adversely affect the health of a property’s occupants.
That is why it is a legal requirement to regularly clean and maintain ventilation ductwork and air-handling units, to ensure they remain clean and free from contaminants.
Alongside our other cleaning services, IHSL relies on two main forms of testing prior to any hygiene job we undertake in order to help keep your systems clean and compliant.
PVTs
Preferred vacuum tests (PVTs) are the industry standard method for assessing how clean or dirty a ductwork system is, in accordance with BS EN 15780 and TR19.
This process involves vacuuming a 10cm square grid of the ductwork’s interior within a 50-metre stretch, and directly collecting the vacuumed material in cassettes which are then sent off to an independent laboratory for analysis. The samples are then weighed so that a calculation can be made to determine the mean amount of debris per square metre of ducting. This helps to classify the level of cleanliness in the overall system.
Microbiological Sampling Surveys
Much like PVTs, this process involves collecting samples from the interior of a ventilation system to determine the presence of contaminants like bacteria and mould, and to calculate the level of contamination.
IHSL’s technicians collect microbial samples using dip-slides, settle plates or swabs before sending them off to a laboratory for analysis.
While PVTs are largely used for general cleans, microbiological sampling is often a regulatory requirement in specific sectors such as healthcare and food manufacturing, which often have far higher standards for hygiene compliance.
Our Assurance
IHSL performs pre- and post-clean vacuum tests and microbiological sampling surveys to ensure we achieve an exceptional level of cleanliness. This will not only keep your property’s ventilation system operating at maximum efficiency but will also help to lower the risk of fire and health issues caused by dust, bacteria and other contaminants.
Some of the establishments where we regularly perform PVTs and microbiological sampling surveys include:
- Office Blocks and Residential Properties
- Hospitals and Laboratories
- Schools and Universities
- Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens
- Airports and Warehouses
Additional Tests
Additional Tests carry out a wide range of compliance checks for ventilation systems and air-handling units, helping your property meet the relevant legal requirements.
Among these many compliance checks, we perform LEV/fume cupboard tests to meet BS EN 14175 standards and CLEAPSS G9 for schools and colleges. Once the test is complete, your system will be COSHH compliant for a period of 14 months, when it will need to be tested again by a qualified professional.In addition, as part of our fire damper maintenance services, we perform fire damper tests to ensure that this vital component of passive fire safety is in good working order, efficient and fully compliant.
Get In Touch
To find out more about our various testing services, please contact us on: