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Hygiene in HVAC systems: results of a large field test.

Number: pap. 94

Author(s) : SICRE B.

Summary

The guideline SWKI VA104-01 „hygiene requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning systems and units“ is the current code of practice in Switzerland and provides a list of requirements in terms of hygiene regarding the design, construction, operation and maintenance of ventilation systems. This paper describes a research project aiming at drawing a general picture of the current hygiene situation of HVAC systems across Switzerland, using the guideline as a yard stick. A secondary goal of the project was to check how feasible this guideline is in the real world. In total, 100 ventilation and air conditioning systems in different kinds of buildings were examined in the project. Hygienic state of the plant parts (i.e. filter, cooler, humidifier, ventilator chamber…) were assessed by visual inspection (dust deposit, biofilms…) and by taking microbiological samples. The samples (air, surface, humidifier water) were examined in a laboratory for germs. In addition, the system operators were interviewed to find out more about the routine maintenance and cleaning of the HVAC system for correlations with lab results. The anonymously kept results were evaluated in the context of a statistical study. On this basis recommendations for improvement in terms of planning, erection, operation and maintenance were worked out and submitted to associations of professionals and health care authorities. Differently from earlier published papers, this paper is going to focus more on cross-evaluations, especially looking at influence of filter class, age of installation, frequency of maintenance, outdoor pollution level… on hygiene state of HVAC system.

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Pages: 8 p.

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Details

  • Original title: Hygiene in HVAC systems: results of a large field test.
  • Record ID : 30008600
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Regulation
  • Source: Clima 2013. 11th REHVA World Congress and 8th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation and Energy Conservation in Buildings.
  • Publication date: 2013/06/16

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