New guidance has been issued to manufacturers on the cleaning and maintenance of their fire resisting duct systems following two years of extensive testing on cleaning materials. The guidance recommends using detergent-based cleaners from installation on wards and warns that this means that more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

The tests were carried out by a team led by Professor Balvinder Singh and Mark Chaplyn with the co-operation of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) & cleaning specialist body NAADUK (National Assocation of Air Duct-Cleaners UK).

The team spent two years testing the intumescent and other materials used in the duct systems, applying all major cleaning agents and caustic solutions. The tests were undertaken using anonymised samples supplied by the ASFP to ensure that the testing was not compromised or influenced by outside parties.

The results of the extensive testing has led to the following statement being released to all fire-resisting ducting manufacturers, under the title Recommended Cleaning Regime for Fire Resisting Ducting Systems:

“When cleaning fire-resisting ductwork, we would recommend that a strong detergent-based cleaner  is used from installation on wards to comply with cleaning Regulations EC852:2004. This approach may require an increased frequency of cleaning. In cases where a caustic based cleaner is required, a solution with a maximum of 8 per cent caustic solution should be used, followed by a thorough rinse with cold water to protect the galvanised surface”

If you require any further technical guidance please call us at NAADUK on 01404 891539 or email peter@naaduk.co.uk