Question: Does the mechanical ventilation fan require any sort of regulatory inspections to ensure it is in good working order and complies with clean air etc?
Our building has three levels. There are duct panels that carry the mechanical ventilation system between the different levels and eventually to the outside air on top of the roof.
Does the mechanical ventilation fan require any sort of regulatory inspections to ensure it is in good working order and complies with clean air etc? Our system has been installed for 11 years or more and has never been inspected.
Answer: Yes
Yes:
- There are items like air filters (for supply air) that need regular replacement
- Does the system do what it should in Fire Mode (typically shut down in a fire alarm)
- Bearings and belts on the fans and fan motors, lubrication, tightening, noise, full load current of the motor, contactors, Fuses, etc….
- Fan motor control from the switchboard, does it work as it should, are the terminals tight (loose terminals are a fire hazard as they can arc), is the control of the fan via a time clock, is the time clock correctly set. Does it work?
- Therma graphic scan of the mechanical services switchboard the Fan is served by ( this is also a typical requirement of the insurance company)
- Clean the duct every few years (a dirty duct can be a fire hazard as well as an environmental/health concern)
- There could be some energy management opportunities here, is the fan motor on a variable speed drive? Is it Direct on Line (DOL)
- Are there Fire Dampers in the system, these need to be checked regularly (%20 every year)
- Flexible joints need checking, is the system leaking air
- Secure mounting, the systems vibrate and can work them selves or part there of loose and become a hazard.
- and there’s more….
Nigel Wraight Forte Asset Services E: nigel@forteas.com.au P: 1800 351 078