Looking for Pictures

[Phil Ackland]

One area that cleaners are always suffering from is that the duct is not welded properly. Soooo, it leaks.
The fact is that this is something that the installer screwed up on, and now the cleaner is taking the hit.

I need to have as many pictures of holes in ducts, leaking ducts (whether water or grease), inadequate duct.
I will be taking these to the next NFPA 96 meeting in a couple months and see if there is not something that we can get to either fix this (initial testing of welds for occupancy permit) or have it acknowledged in the Cleaning section, that it is a reason that the system can not be cleaned and is beyond the responsibility of the cleaner.
I would appreciate your help. Email any pictures you think might fit the bill.

 

[mikey]

inadequate duct

Just Kidding Phil, I’m sure I can find some real winners for you.

 

[cgibson]

Phil,
The attached photo shows part of a duct with 2 holes in it from rust.

Luckily I took photos before the job was done which alerted us to the holes.

 

[Phil Ackland]

Thanks Chris -- that is exactly what I am looking for. (which means I could use MORE of same)

Also if you have any that show lousy welding. As in the seam (or joint) of two sections of duct are welded but the welder missed spots so the seams are not "continuously welded and liquidtight."
I really think this is an issue the cleaners can make a point of. We didn't install it, so don't blame us because it leaks. (of course we have to report it), but it is niether our fault that it leaks; or within our ability (job description, standard of practice) to be able to repair the leaks.
And those leaks can pose a serious fire hazard.

 

[Michael T]

Phil , We just finished the third cleaning on a system which is 9 months old. The first time we did it at 3 months it leaked like a sive. Water running everywhere. Noted all the holes and cleanout ports on the bottom of the duct and cleanout ports too close to sides. The University made the contractor come back when we were there last and fix the problems. There were leaking joints in the duct system. Which cant be located until it is time to clean and there is water in the system. The contractor didnt really bother to check NFPA 98 specs on installation. The classic screw up was a horizonal run of duct which dropped under a beam and then came back up , leaving a low spot which could hold 50+ gallons of water. They installed a 2" ball valve to drain it. The contractor was great and got the leaks fixed. And the next time we cleaned it .... no leaks.