Ventilation a Key First Step to Prepare Pubs for Reopening

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25 June 2020

Evaluating ventilation systems before pubs reopen on 4 July is one of the first steps to take before reopening, as laid out in the government’s new guidance.

In “Keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services” guidance, published on 24 June 2020, the document states that steps that will usually be needed before reopening include: “Checking whether you need to service or adjust ventilation systems, for example, so that they do not automatically reduce ventilation levels due to lower than normal occupancy levels.” 

This guidance is designed to ensure time spent in pubs, bars and restaurants is as safe as possible for staff and customers, and is a clear demonstration of how vital effective ventilation is, says British manufacturer of ventilation, heating and air conditioning equipment Vent-Axia.

“With the lockdown set to ease on the 4 July and pubs reopening, publicans need to ensure their premises are as safe as possible for staff and customers. To lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission inside a building it is vital to increase airflow and ventilate effectively.”

–Jenny Smith

Head of Marketing, Vent-Axia

Ensuring Ventilation Works Effectively 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on 23 June that lockdown was set to ease included a focus on “improving ventilation.” This also echoes an earlier statement by Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Government’s COVID-19 press briefing on 29 April 2020 where he said, “There is a definite truism across all of the science literature, that ventilation is a most critical part of reducing transmission from respiratory viruses.” 

With the UK COVID-19 lockdown now set to ease pubs are keen to return to business. But first publicans need to ensure their properties are COVID-secure before reopening to help protect both customers and employees, says Vent-Axia. 

Jenny Smith, Head of Marketing at Vent-Axia commented: “A raft of global scientific evidence has confirmed aerosol transmission of COVID-19, making it a higher risk to be inside a building than outside. 

“With the lockdown set to ease on the 4 July and pubs reopening, publicans need to ensure their premises are as safe as possible for staff and customers. To lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission inside a building it is vital to increase airflow and ventilate effectively. 

“Now is the time to check ventilation to ensure there is enough airflow to dilute the virus in the air and improve indoor air quality. Ventilating for longer and opting for ventilation with higher airflow volumes will help reduce the risk.”

What Steps should Publicans Take now to Minimise Virus Transmission Risks?

With the current government guidance lacking detail on practical ventilation measures to implement, what steps should publicans be taking now to minimise virus transmission risks? 

Vent-Axia, who has already supplied ventilation to a wide range of essential projects, such as the Nightingale Hospital in London, offers the following advice:

• Risk assessments –publicans should first ensure their premises are adequately ventilated and check whether existing extract fans are installed
• Repair or replacement – if extract fans are installed, they should check they work. If not, they should be repaired or replaced. Publicans can speak to their facilities manager, ventilation specialist or ventilation manufacturer for advice on their ventilation systems
• Spare parts –pubs that already have a Vent-Axia T-Series installed can contact Vent-Axia if their unit requires parts or replacements
• Reassure customers – Vent-Axia is issuing a free COVID-AWARE window sticker with every T-Series purchase to help reassure customers when pubs re-open

Picture: A photograph of a wall-mounted Vent-Axia fan system 

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 25 June 2020

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