At a time when environmental concerns and health considerations are of the highest priority, creating a clean air strategy is imperative for commercial and industrial businesses. Poor air quality can have detrimental effects on the health of employees and overall operational efficiency. We've created this guide to offer organizations valuable insights and actionable steps to formulate a customized clean air strategy tailored to your specific needs.
Recognizing the impact of clean air in both commercial and industrial settings is the first step toward developing an effective clean air strategy. In commercial environments such as bars, restaurants, offices, and retail establishments, air quality plays a key role in customer experiences. Unpleasant odors, allergens, and pollutants can negatively affect customer perception and, in turn, impact business performance.
In industrial settings, the result of poor air quality goes beyond regulatory compliance, affecting the safety of staff and the functioning of machinery and equipment. In manufacturing plants, factories, and other industrial facilities, pollutants in the air can also accumulate on workplace and machinery surfaces, leading to increased wear and decreased operational efficiency. This not only creates frequent maintenance and repairs but can also result in unexpected downtime and production delays which affects the bottom line.
Exposure to harmful airborne contaminants, such as particulate matter, gases, and chemicals, can pose serious health risks. Respiratory issues, allergies, and long-term health effects are among the primary concerns associated with poor air quality.
Airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can irritate the respiratory system. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience worsened symptoms, leading to increased respiratory distress, coughing, and shortness of breath.
Poor indoor air quality is a significant contributor to allergic reactions among individuals. Common indoor allergens, including mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander, can accumulate quickly without proper ventilation and air circulation. Individuals may experience symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, and skin irritation.
Beyond respiratory and allergic conditions, long-term exposure to poor air quality has been linked to severe long-term health effects. Studies have associated air pollution with cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Exposure to certain airborne pollutants has been associated with chronic health conditions, such as lung cancer.
Respiratory discomfort, allergies, and other health issues from poor air quality can contribute to missed work days or employees not being fully present – both physically and mentally which can take a toll on the company's overall performance. The effect of employee health issues is difficult for individuals and can also place a financial strain on businesses. Understanding this encourages business owners to consider the long-term cost savings by investing in air quality improvement solutions.
The legalities surrounding indoor air quality are evolving, and businesses that fail to address it may face potential legal ramifications. Regulatory bodies increasingly recognize the importance of maintaining clean air in workplaces, and non-compliance can lead to fines and legal actions. Proactively addressing air quality concerns not only mitigates the risk of legal consequences but also demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being and adherence to regulatory standards.
Before developing a clean air strategy, it's crucial to assess the existing air quality conditions within the commercial or industrial space. This involves conducting a thorough air quality audit. To begin the audit, identify potential pollutants that could affect indoor air quality. This includes sources such as dust, mold, VOCs, and other airborne contaminants. Consider the specific activities and processes taking place in the space.
Consider the quality of outdoor air being brought into the indoor environment. Analyze factors such as pollution levels, pollen counts, and potential contaminants. Understanding the quality of the air entering the space can help the baseline for indoor air quality improvement efforts.
Investing in effective air filtration systems is fundamental for any comprehensive clean air strategy in commercial and industrial settings. After installation, these systems immediately begin filtering the air to remove airborne pollutants, enhancing indoor air quality, and promoting a healthier environment.
Air filtration systems utilize specialized filter media and large centrifugal-type blowers to capture and eliminate contaminants. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, for example, are designed to trap microscopic particles, including dust, allergens, and bacteria. Activated carbon filters are effective in adsorbing gases and odors. Blue Ox air filtration systems from ACS, Inc. are built with high-quality parts that are backed by great warranties. The filters included in our systems maximize filter replacement, compressed air, and energy savings.
Our air filtration units come in various configurations tailored to different needs. Here's a breakdown:
✓ General Use: Designed for dust or smoke applications without odors, featuring a 1" pleated pre-filter followed by a pocket bag filter (65% or 95%).
✓ Carbon Filter - Light Odor Control: Ideal for applications with light odors, equipped with a 1" or 4" pleated pre-filter, a pocket bag filter (65% or 95%), and a 2" Charcoal afterfilter (9lbs of charcoal).
✓ Carbon Module - Extra Odor Control: Suited for heavy odor-generating applications, featuring a 1" or 4" pleated pre-filter, a 95% pocket bag filter, and an 18lb or 36lb Carbon Module.
✓ HEPA - Clean Room Use: Designed for applications demanding an ultra-clean environment, incorporating a 1" or 4" pleated pre-filter, a 95% pocket bag filter, and a 99.97% HEPA afterfilter.
✓ Wrap-Around Filter - Large Particulate: Tailored for environments with large particulate, featuring a 4" pleated pre-filter, a 65% bag filter, and a 2" Wrap-A-Round fiber pre-filter. The Wrap-A-Round filter is designed to be cleaned, not replaced, extending the life of the pre-filter in applications with rapid face loading. Different designations (WAL, WAR) indicate the direction of the wrap-filter cage mounting.
Blue Ox air filtration systems are made available in pass-thru and T-style configurations. Pass-thru systems feature a grill/fan on one end and filters on the other end to draw in contaminated air through the filters and exhaust it through the grill on the other end, creating a straight-flow motion. T-style units have a grill/fan placed in the center and draw contaminated air through filters on both sides, exhausting it from the center. With these systems, you get double the media in a unit when compared to the pass-thru style.
Each air filtration system has a specific "catch" and "throw" distance to determine how far apart they should be placed to ensure that the air will continue to move from one unit to the next.
The air filtration systems you choose should be tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the environment. When you work with our team of specialists, we consider factors such as the type of pollutants present, the size of the space, and the applications that take place. Request a free quote to get started on a personalized consultation, we will assess the unique demands of your application and provide tailored recommendations. This hands-on approach ensures that your clean air strategy is not only effective but also precisely tailored to the needs of your work environment.
You may also like:
• Why Is Air Filtration Important?
• Is Poor Air Quality Affecting Your Workplace?
• Brand Highlight: Blue Ox Air Cleaners
Call Us Today -or- Request A Quote! Request a Quote
