What are System Hygienics’ Remedial Works?

Explore the importance of remedial works by System Hygienics to maintain building safety, including fire damper upkeep.

A System Hygienics Employee cleaning an Air Handling Unit

In the maintenance and safety worlds, mainly when dealing with building management and fire safety, the term "remedial works" pops up quite frequently. But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it essential to maintain the integrity and safety of a building's infrastructure? Let's dive into what remedial works are, particularly in cleaning fire dampers and kitchen extract systems, to illuminate this essential process.

Understanding the Need for Remedial Works

Remedial work becomes necessary after specialised teams perform an initial assessment or cleaning task and uncover issues. For instance, System Hygienics, may have been employed to complete fire damper testing in a building to evaluate fire dampers' condition and operational capability within a building. Similarly, a kitchen extract cleaning team might be tasked with ensuring that all the extract systems in a kitchen are clean and free from grease buildup, which could pose a fire risk.

During these initial checks, it's not uncommon to discover problems. Fire dampers might fail tests for various reasons, such as access difficulties, faulty components, or even broken motors. In the case of kitchen extract systems, parts of the system might be inaccessible, making thorough cleaning impossible. These issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to non-compliance with safety standards and, more critically, pose significant risks to building occupants.

The Steps Toward Remediation

Once these problems are identified, the next step is remedial work. These are corrective actions to fix the issues discovered during the initial testing or cleaning stages. System Hygienics exemplifies how this process should unfold:

1. Initial Assessment: This is when the issues are first identified, whether during the testing of fire dampers or the cleaning of kitchen extract systems. System Hygienics' extensive reporting will provide all the necessary paperwork to show exactly what issues there are and how they need to be amended.

2. Quotation: Following the initial assessment, System Hygienics will prepare a comprehensive quote outlining the scope of remedial works needed to address the issues found.

3. Approval and Execution: If the customer approves the quote, System Hygienics will proceed with the necessary remedial work. This could involve replacing faulty fire dampers, installing access doors for easier maintenance of fire dampers and kitchen extract systems, or other corrective measures to ensure the systems meet the required standards.

The Goal of Remedial Works

The primary aim of remedial works is to ensure that the building's safety systems fully comply with the relevant standards. These standards are outlined in BS 9999:2017 and BESA TR19 for fire safety and ventilation systems within the UK. By adhering to these standards, building managers ensure the safety and well-being of their occupants and protect themselves against potential legal issues arising from non-compliance.

The implications of non-compliance with the necessary safety regulations can be severe. Beyond risking the health and safety of building occupants, there are legal repercussions that building managers and responsible parties must be acutely aware of. Failure to adhere to safety standards, such as those outlined in BS 9999:2017 and BESA TR19 for fire safety and ventilation, opens the door to unlimited fines and the possibility of prosecution.

In the most severe cases, those found to breach these regulations could face up to two years in prison. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of ensuring that remedial works are carried out promptly and effectively, safeguarding the occupants' well-being and the legal standing of responsible parties.

In summary, remedial works are critical to maintaining the health, safety, and compliance of a building's infrastructure. Whether replacing non-functional fire dampers or ensuring kitchen extract systems are accessible and clean, these works help mitigate risks and ensure a safer environment.

If your business needs fire damper testing, kitchen extract cleaning, ventilation cleaning, or any other service to maintain and ensure the safety of your building's systems, getting in touch with System Hygienics is a great choice. Their expertise and commitment to safety make them an ideal partner for ensuring compliance and safeguarding the well-being of all building occupants. Don't leave safety to chance. Contact System Hygienics today to discuss how they can assist with your building maintenance needs and ensure your environment remains safe and compliant.