Ducts are used to move air around buildings – for heating, ventilation or air conditioning. If there’s a mechanical HVAC system in place, you can bet there’s a network of ductwork hidden above ceilings, in walls or running through risers.
On site, ducts are usually made from galvanised steel or flexible insulated tubing. They’re installed to carry warm or cool air to different parts of a building, and just as importantly, remove stale or used air. You’ll find them in homes, offices, warehouses and commercial units.
Ducting comes in all shapes and sizes – round, square, rectangular – depending on what the job needs. Fitting it properly means thinking ahead: access, fire ratings, insulation, airflow, noise levels, and not clashing with plumbing or electrics.
Most ducts are part of a bigger HVAC system and are planned out using CAD or BIM drawings. Installers follow these plans to route the ductwork cleanly and efficiently through the building. On many UK sites, poorly fitted ducts can lead to air leaks, condensation problems or failing building control checks. So getting it right is essential.
Plant operators and other trades often work around ducting during fit-outs. Whether you’re lifting panels, installing fixings, or operating in confined areas, knowing where ducts are – and how fragile or bulky they can be – is part of staying safe.
At Construction and Plant Training Services, we include HVAC awareness in some of our CPCS and NPORS courses. It’s not just about machines – it’s about understanding the full picture of what’s happening on site, above and below ground.
