Before we introduce our air purifier/air scrubber Salon Equipment Evaluation Standards (SEES) and the optimum recommendations, it is important to remind ourselves of the key advantages gained, and in many cases, the necessities of placing an air purifier on an animal care facility’s acquisitions must-buy plan. Healthcare concerns are the major impediment in attracting and retaining personnel and gaining public confidence in our industry.

From my earliest days in this field, calling on vets, kennels, daycare, self-wash, and salons, the consistent question was “Did I know of any good, reliable groomers that might be available for employment?”

Sadly, that has not obviously changed, since in a recent survey, groomers have made the list of the hardest ten job occupations to fill. Social media is full of future and current groomers’ concerns on Groomer’s Lung, animal hair penetrating the skin, carbon dust pollution, and the overall salon work environment. Will the next pandemic or regulatory mandate to correct these challenges close us down again??

It’s time to lead and not follow. The very best first step is acquiring the right air purification equipment, enjoying the movement that has long been overlooked and ignored for way too long – the health, safety, and comfort of all those who love and enjoy the animal experience, and certainly deserve a far better working environment to make this happen.

It is time to take that first step!!!

Air Purifier / Air Scrubber Salon Equipment Evaluation Standards (SEES)

Air purifier capable of room/area¹ air volume (CFM) turnover rate² of 3-6 times per hour

1. Recommend High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter³ (HEPA) being one of the included filter types in the system family of filters
2. HEPA filter should be at least 1 inch thick to reduce filter replacement frequency and should be positioned as the final filter in the filter sequence
3.  A carbon filter should be included in the filter mix to counter grooming shop odors with at least 1 pound of activated carbon by weight, sufficient to maximize filter life
4. At least 2 pre-filters should proceed the carbon filter in sequence and be of cleanable or washable material to ensure CFM airflow operation effectiveness and efficiency
5. Air purifier should be equipped with a high-torque, speed-controlled, low-electrical-draw motor within a sealable chassis design offering easy filter access
6. Air purifiers should be equipped with an airflow warning light or meter that indicates sufficient clean airflow to meet CFM system specifications and indicating the need to check filter blockage or replacement
7. The air purifier unit should be mobile, ruggedly constructed with tough, reliable materials suitable for commercial use, wear and tear
8. Parts and services should be available in country of purchase and have adequate safety certifications to preclude owner liability exposure

1. Room air volume in cubic feet per minute (CFM) = room length x width x height
2. Unit CFM x 60 minutes = total room air volume
3. Filter sequence or order of placement from air purifier unit intake = 2 pre-filters -> 1 carbon filter -> 1 HEPA filter

Till Next Time,
-The Professor