Jonathan Brennan, chairman of the NAADUK said: “I am delighted that one of our members has achieved the National Occupational Standard for the first group of air duct technicians.

Ben Ledger, sales director for Overclean, said: 'We are immensely proud to have completed the first phase of our training programme to SVQ level. This is the first time in our industry we have an independent third-party assessment centre delivering an accredited training programme. This gives our clients peace of mind in their selection of a company who has competent trained staff and cleaning to a set high standard. The competency of our teams shows our commitment to the Government’s “Building a Safer Future Charter “by investing in training and continuing professional development. Again, improving skills will support our commitment to improving indoor air quality in buildings.”

Mr Brennan said: 'The National Occupational Standards (NOS) states that these standards are developed by Standard Setting Organisations (SSO) in consultation with employers and other stakeholders across each of the UK nations, (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and England).

'Specific requirements are considered by each nation and the result is a set of NOS that are suitable for use across the UK. The standard is set out in a common format and approved on a four-nation basis with SQA Accreditation ensuring compliance. Each NOS has a published date stating when it was approved, and the most current NOS are listed in this database.

'To my knowledge this is the first group to come through this type of programme, required by government, for quite some considerable time. This standard will raise the level of competency of ductwork cleaning and maintenance which is desperately needed to a technician standard. In addition, the process of NOS is a more robust indicator of skill and competency as the assessing body has to be truly independently audited by a non-associated company. This programme is not a short one- or two-day course but takes time to achieve which can only enhance the credibility of the scheme.

'I am encouraged that the scheme independent assessors, Paddeco Ltd, can demonstrate they are professional and, importantly, independently qualified to assess that the candidates have met the required standard and look forward to this being the first of many members of NAADUK and associate organisations taking up this opportunity. Our aim at NAADUK is to raise the bar of competency in ventilation hygiene for the many and not for a select few.”

Overclean said the achievement endorsed the company ethos in training and delivering a high-quality standard of cleaning and customer satisfaction.

Inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of ductwork has become an important part of building facility requirements to meet the growing need for better indoor air quality and building energy efficiencies.

Insurance companies are aware of the essential requirement to undertake cleaning ventilation systems to prevent the build-up of grease and dust in ducts to prevent fires.

Along with the regulatory law EC852, HSE requirements, CDM regulations and BS standards, all building owners should be aware of their responsibility to the occupants of the building and ensure that regular inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of ductwork is carried out by a competent accredited company.