Maintaining, Filtration Engineering Ltd, Air Filtration, Air Quality Control Systems, UK

Maintaining air quality

The Food Safety Regulations which were adopted from EC Directive 93/43/EEC on 15th September 1995 are deregulatory in nature, which means that food manufacturers are responsible for controlling their manufacturing conditions, to ensure wholesome foodstuffs are handled, prepared, manufactured, processed, packed, stored, transported and distributed hygienically. Allied to this legislation is the responsibility on the part of food producers to identify and control potential hazards to food safety by utilising a risk assessment system such as HACCP.

With many items of process plant in use it is important that maintenance be carried out by personnel qualified in all aspects of the air quality control system. The term "facilities management" can imply that the contractor has an in-depth knowledge of the air movement equipment and of customer requirements. The contractor is selling his know-how to assist the customer in the production of hygienic food at all times, and at the most competitive price for the service. The customer must determine the ability of his prospective contractor and apply technical and commercial judgement in his evaluation. Certain factors such as track record in the industry, written technical information, presentation, quality assurance, commitment to training of personnel and investment in test and analytical equipment, all help to reassure the customer that the contractor has the necessary skills and training to perform the tasks required.

Unlike some equipment installed in food factory air handling systems, the air filtration requires a periodic service check to ensure the air filters are operating within design limits. Automatic monitoring is available for air filter systems and a separate indication is required for each installation such as for primary and secondary filter systems. Reliable dry type analogue gauges can be installed which should be monitored and readings recorded at intervals. Minimum filter use must be the aim with any air filtration maintenance programme.

The air handling and air movement process is the "lungs" of the manufacturing environment, and air from this system can permeate most factory areas. It is essential therefore that a series of checks and controls are in place to ensure air quality and air distribution meet the design and operating requirements.

A contractor must be able to perform a range of action points based on the following list of skills:

Particulate analysis and interpretation for process requirements.

Airflow pattern and distribution control in the process rooms.

Heating, cooling and humidity evaluation.

Air filtration performance control and integrity checks.

Mechanical and electrical equipment - basic evaluation.

Process controls – basic understanding.

Familiarity with the manufacturing process to identify problems and assess new and associated work quickly and accurately.

The choice of work to be considered for contract will depend on the size and type of the business, and the need for a specialised contractor. Whatever the need, it is vital that the customer understands clearly what the contractor proposes after the basic work description has been presented.

Once a contract has been established for selective or general air systems management, regular meetings with customer representatives is recommended to ensure all parties are aware of progress. A basic programme for discussion would include work completed, proposals for the following month, new work and allied issues. The management of the contract is based on assessment, action and control - to reduce the cost of such work to the food industry. It is important to ensure that time spent at the customer’s premises be kept to a minimum, and every effort should be made to standardise the work schedule, which will lead to a more cost effective service in the future. An Air Quality Manual (AQM) is suggested as a document for reference between the customer and the contractor.

For further information on selecting a suitable contractor please read “What is an air quality service contract and why do I need one” (FEL Technical information note - 092).