NAADUK [The National Association of Air Duct Specialists], is proud to announce the launch of its new comprehensive guidance document NAAD21, setting the standard for the ventilation hygiene sector.
Jonathan Brennan, chairman of NAADUK said: “I would like to express my thanks not only to the members of NAADUK who have put this document together but also to the other associations, institutions and universities that have supplied time, knowledge and expertise to support and enhance this guidance. It is NAADUK's hope that this will not only help ductwork technicians but also insurers, procurement departments, specifiers, and trainers in delivering safety, compliance and assuring competence within our industry. Following the tragedy at Grenfell it is important to this association that this advice is made freely available to all."
NAAD21 is a collaboration between experts in the industry and other associations, putting together a completely easy to read reference document for both grease and air [indoor air quality].
It is embedded throughout the GT0F 04 SCQF Level 5 [NVQ2]: Ventilation Hygiene Certificate and forms the core of the qualification, covering the practises and procedures of the BSEHV11, the National Occupational Standard for cleaning industrial and commercial ventilation systems. This is a qualification that until now has not been available within the industry.
Three years on, Peter Reid, president of NAADUK, stated that he is extremely proud of its members for putting together a world-leading guidance document in air conditioning, which is already recognised in other countries around the world and is directly compliant with the Dame Hackett review for technical information to be freely available. This 134-page document is to be offered freely, at no charge to all interested parties.
Reid said: “Our aim at NAADUK is to raise the bar of competency and awareness in ventilation hygiene for the many and not for a select few. NAAD21 enables technicians to demonstrate their professional competency and offers building owners a guidance document to use as reference.”
Throughout the pandemic, NAADUK has issued several papers on Covid-19 Guidance for Ventilation Hygiene Risk Assessment & Welfare, all of which were well received worldwide.
Inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of ductwork has become an important part of building facility requirements to meet the growing need for better indoor air quality in light of the pandemic and building energy efficiencies. Insurance companies are well aware of the essential requirement to undertake cleaning of ventilation systems to prevent the build-up of grease and dust in ducts, which will help prevent fires.
Along with the regulatory law EC852, the HSE requirements, CDM regulations and BS standards state that all building owners should be aware of their responsibility to the occupants of the building and ensure that a competent accredited company conducts regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of ductwork.
NAADUK will be celebrating its achievements since inauguration at the House of Commons on April 7.
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash
