The catering operation may be restricted at this time, but sooner or later the green light will be given and the stores will start welcoming their customers again without restrictions. With coronavirus spread, companies have to stay closed for as long as the disinfection last. This makes sense for every owner to want to reduce the chances of getting the virus and to protect their business. But apart from the instructions for keeping a distance and using antiseptics, what else could the owner do to minimize the chances of an infectious pathogen?

According to experts, insufficient cleaning and disinfection of air conditioning and ventilation systems can cause the spread of many pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, mites, molds, algae, viruses such as Covid-19, H1N1, legionella. a. These pathogenic microorganisms are found everywhere and mainly in the air ducts of air conditioning, the structure of which favors the rapid growth of their populations. The viruses, inside the airways, multiply at an incredibly fast rate and in a very short time emit unpleasant odors.

For a pathogenic microorganism it is very easy to turn your place into a source of infection. This is because the viruses feed on the environment in which they thrive, attack and affect the health of the people in the area. In fact, dust mites have been blamed for most of the allergies that have been reported in Europe. At the same time, with the catering companies having the necessary condition for the operation of a central air conditioning and ventilation system, their insufficient or incomplete cleaning can cause significant indoor air pollution. According to the Ministry of Environment, indoor air depends on the air quality of the outside environment. Indoor pollution data, ie indoor air pollution, confirm that indoor air quality is up to 3 times worse than outdoor air quality.

In areas where a greater gather of people happens, a source of transmitted pathogenic microorganisms can be created. A case of COVID-19 virus on the premises of a hotel, a company office, a public transport vehicle (land or sea), or even a store can translate into further damage and loss of turnover due to the length of time remaining the business is closed, the disinfection costs but also the negative word of mouth that will act as a deterrent for consumers. A proper central air conditioning and ventilation system can save or aggravate the situation. Especially in the air ducts of restaurants, along with household allergens and germs, we find a concentration of large amounts of fat and oil throughout the ventilation network. When ventilation systems are not effectively cleaned, especially those in public areas are the number one culprit for transmitting most influenza viruses, including H1N1. This is because, according to experts, they accumulate pathogenic microorganisms from the breath and sweat and diffuse them into the atmosphere, “recycling” them.

According to research and studies, a healthy indoor work environment promotes employee productivity in it. At the same time, the visits of the customers increase as the feeling of well-being during their visit to our place is remarkable. In addition, according to research, the operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems becomes more efficient and economical by 10% to 18% while there is a significant reduction in the cost of maintenance of facilities.

On the contrary, an unhealthy indoor work environment can have a negative impact on the health of its users. The effects of this can be obvious and dangerous to a person’s health and include headaches, dizziness, asthma, rhinitis, shortness of breath, allergies, eye irritation, dry throat etc. Thus, the financial cost of the business from reduced staff performance or sick leave due to poor indoor air quality is “hidden” but in fact high.

In the areas of mass catering of customers and crowds, the requirements for the observance of the sanitary protocols regarding the operation and disinfection of the central ventilation systems are high. Especially in terms of the focus which has been particularly affected by the effects of COVID-19, due to the accumulation of large amounts of fat and oil throughout the ventilation network, the cleaning and disinfection process is not only necessary but also requires high quality services.