Shipboard Ventilation Systems Cleaning; Is it Important?
Shipboard Ventilation Systems on board commercial and passenger ships as well as military vessels must be kept clean and free of dust, dirt and harmful pathogens that can infect crew and passengers. Diseases spread through ventilation systems. Dirty air ducts are breeding grounds for mold, mildew and other microorganisms.
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A ship’s interior has many enclosed spaces that require good indoor air quality. Fans force air into cabins, common rooms, kitchens, engine compartments and storage areas. The air is filtered and circulated. The ship’s exhaust systems force out stale air and CO2.
Shipboard Ventilation Systems Can Cause Illness
Major cruise lines have been forced to cancel cruises at different times and pay out refunds when several passengers became ill with various respiratory infections including Legionnaires’ disease. The highly contagious Legionella bacteria that can lead to pneumonia is transmitted through poor indoor air quality.
Sanitation on all ships is of primary importance and this includes the ventilation system along with food and water quality. The Center for Disease Control monitors cruise ships that are part of the Vessel Sanitation Program. Passenger ships sailing from foreign ports are required to report any illnesses, including the severe gastrointestinal tract norovirus and respiratory cases that occurred during a cruise.
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One or two sick passengers or crew members can spread a disease to an entire ship through a poor ventilation system and personal contact. The situation is the same on military vessels and cargo ships. These ships stop at many ports and crew members may pick up contagious viral and bacterial diseases.
Humidity must be controlled on all ships to prevent mold and mildew growth on bulkheads and in the ventilation systems. Mold is a harmful pathogen that can cause severe respiratory reactions. The dampness of a maritime climate encourages the growth of mold and other pathogens on all surface areas. A small tear in an air duct provides an entry for microscopic mold and mildew spores.
Engine Room Air Ducts
The air ducts in the sections of the ship where the engines, generators and other mechanical systems are located must have a separate ventilation system. Air circulation includes special fans to prevent the build-up of harmful odors from oil and fuels in an enclosed area.
This ventilation system must have dampers on vents that can be closed off in the event of a fire. CO2 is often used to control fires and the ducts must not take in oxygen while a fire is extinguished. Dampers also prevent smoke circulation through the ducts to other parts of the ship.
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Cooking areas, known as galleys, usually have separate ventilation and exhaust ducts that absorb odors, smoke and steam. This is the type of ventilation often found in restaurants and commercial kitchens with a hood usually over the cooking area. The hood and vents must be cleaned frequently to prevent grease and oil fires.
Laundry rooms must have a special ventilation system with adequate exhaust vents for dryers. This is another major area where humidity must be controlled to prevent mold.
Shipboard Ventilation Systems Cleaning
Professional shipboard cleaning companies clean all heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. Fans, coils, grilles, condensate pans, filters and air supply diffusers must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for good shipboard air quality.
Ventilation systems are checked for breaks and tears in the large network of ducts and vents throughout the ship. The cleaning service is responsible for decontamination of any area that can support harmful microorganisms.
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Reliable ship ventilation cleaning and inspection services will keep passengers and crew safe from breathing contaminated air on all types of vessels.
For over 20 years, we have been helping people who are working on improving indoor air quality with Indoor Environmental Surveys and Ventilation Systems Cleaning by providing high quality workmanship with unparalleled customer service to both residential and commercial customers. Our staff of professionals are dedicated to serving your specific needs from the moment you contact us until the completion of your remediation project. Visit our website or contact us today for more information or to schedule your mold remediation consultation.
