profluid from Ulm

Hygiene inspection for RLT / ventilation and air conditioning systems according to VDI6022 

The profluid hygiene inspection is worthwhile

Because there's air to live in

  With each breath we consume air, which varies in composition depending on the location. Besides 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, 0.04% carbon dioxide and approx. 0.9% argon, there are many other components in the air we breathe. For example, solid and liquid particles (aerosols), water, dust and other biological particles such as fungi, spores, pollen, germs and other microorganisms. The statement "air is not equal to air" is therefore absolutely correct. 


Air quality has a decisive influence on our health and performance. By designing their living space almost entirely themselves, people do influence the air aswell. Nowadays, people spend an average of 22 hours a day in buildings that are closed to the outside world. Here, a microclimate of their own is created by ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The task of an air conditioning system is to optimise the quality of the air and to adapt factors such as temperature, humidity and air pollution (e.g. pollen, dust and other particles) to the desired conditions.

 

To ensure that you really benefit from your air conditioning system, the VDI6022 starts at precisely these points in order to meet the standards for the proper operation of an air conditioning systems.  Here, the VDI6022 covers more than just the hygienic standard, it covers the overall condition of the system with regard to your health. The quality of the air is checked and optimised by the system.

We at profluid check at your site whether your system is causing problems due to construction, weather and maintenance-related defects and offer assistance with all questions. In addition, we provide our comprehensive test report, which you can access online via our HixDB. 

Advantages of a hygienically optimal room air conditioning system.

Legal protection of the plant operator in case of damage by documentation according to legal requirements
Prevention of occupational diseases, allergies and general illnesses means fewer sick days
Reduction of harmful pollution from the outside air (pollen, fine dust and biological micro-particles)
Well adjusted air conditioning systems and the associated high air quality improve the working climate and increase productivity
Avoidance of medium and long-term maintenance costs (increased service life of the system components)
Economic and efficient plant operation
through efficiently adjusted systems (energy saving)
 

Profluid with claim to the goal

profluid GmbH has been successfully active in the field of hygiene inspection in Ulm since 2010. Among our customers are leading manufacturers of the automotive industry and numerous other companies from all production areas. A high degree of professionalism is the prerequisite for a thorough and professional inspection according to VDI 6022. Due to many years of experience and continuous further training of all parties involved - in the expert examination-A according to VDI 6022 and the RLQ manager assigned by the DGUV - we offer you the best quality and solution-oriented know-how.
Through our exclusive HixDB database system - a special software for archiving and creating AHU test reports - we offer complete, high-quality, traceable and secure documentation for our customers. In order to make all cost-reducing and health-related aspects of VDI6022 available to you, our test reports are clearly structured and contain both lists of defects and recommendations for action. This report, which goes beyond the VDI6022 guideline, enables you to operate the AHUs cost-efficiently. We are also available to our customers for advice on pre- or post-care within the scope of VDI6022, or for problems that arise during the operation of an AHU. If required, we can arrange competent specialist companies for cleaning and maintenance of your systems.


Our HixDB database system offers
special software for archiving and creating AHU test reports. Online available: you have access to your test reports anytime and from anywhere.
You will receive a detailed list of defects with each test report. Related recommendations for action are logged in order to exclude possible risks.
When the contract is awarded, we will inform you in detail about all key points that enable a smooth process and the most efficient hygiene inspection possible.
We are professionals! Our employees are RLQ managers according to DGUV and have successfully passed the expert knowledge examination A according to VDI 6022. 

Hygiene inspection services and Hazard assessment according to VDI6022 for air handling units

  • Carrying out the initial inspection and planning the inspection intervals  

  • Visual detection of the system with inspection and cleaning openings

  • Documentation in the form of a report of all hygiene-related, construction-related and physical defects

  • Microbiological examination at the previously determined control points

  • Airborne germ measurement in the associated rooms

  • Analysis of the samples taken by a neutral and accredited laboratory

  • Detailed report on all shortcomings, problems identified and subsequent recommendations for action to
    adequate remedy of all deficiencies
     

  • Legal protection through HixDB - documentation of the hygiene inspection according to VDI6022

After a RaumLuftTechnische Anlage has been newly built, structurally modified or not yet inspected due to the protection of existing buildings, the so-called initial inspection is the basis for the hygienic operation of a plant. During an initial inspection in accordance with VDI6022, the system concept, the design and the actual construction of the system are checked and a comprehensive inspection protocol is used to check for possible design and construction errors.  Minimum inspection locations for hygiene controls are defined and laid down in the operating manual of the plant for later repeat inspections.

A repeat inspection is the periodically recurring inspection of the hygiene of an air conditioning system.  Systems without humidifiers are inspected every three years, HVAC systems with humidifiers or buried components every two years, so that the hygiene regulations can be confirmed accordingly. The operator of an air handling system is responsible for inspection and maintenance.

Split and air conditioning units are also subject to VDI6022 and must meet the hygiene requirements of this guideline. The units are subjected to an inspection of the primary and secondary air, surface germ contamination, as well as a design test. A test report is prepared and the operating manual of the system is checked accordingly.

The assessment of the hygienic condition of an HVAC system and the risk potential to be derived from it must be determined with the aid of a professionally conducted risk assessment, based on a hygiene inspection and the documentation/operating instructions of the manufacturer/installer. 

Important state variables are for this:

  • optical inspection of the entire plant

  • Surface sampling e.g. ventilation outlets, supply lines

  • Water analyses (for systems with humidification devices)

  • Supply air measurements

In older existing plants there are still isolated mineral fibre mats as sound insulation material. In such cases, it should be clarified quickly whether these are a) asbestos fibres, b) KMF fibres according to WHO or c) modern mineral fibres.  In all cases the insulation mats must be removed. Open mineral fibre mats can release harmful fibres into the air we breathe. Which fibres are present in each case can only be clarified by a qualified laboratory. Particularly in cases a) and b) special precautions must be taken during removal and the ventilation systems including ventilation ducts must be thoroughly cleaned.

If conspicuous contamination of the room air with germs is found, the source must be identified and eliminated. The differentiation of the germs allows the source to be narrowed down in the system and at the same time provides indications of the risk potential, which ranges from slight sensitivities, asthmatic diseases, disorders of the immune system to severe fungal infections of the respiratory organs. In most cases, fungi are the triggers for disease, while diseases caused by bacteria occur very rarely in comparison. 

Best quality meets solution-oriented know-how  

With our HixDB database system, we ensure complete documentation

  Interesting facts about air conditioning systems

Design and construction of a hygienically optimal RLT system

In order for an air conditioning system to work in a technically perfect and hygienically clean manner, it must be ensured that the ingress of water, dirt, leaves and other particles is effectively prevented by structural conditions. All air-bearing surfaces must be designed in such a way that they effectively prevent deposits, the release of substances hazardous to health and the formation of micro-organisms and also prevent the formation of dirt (oxidation, rust).
The air should be conducted with as little turbulence as possible and corners and edges should be avoided as far as possible.

To ensure the desired indoor air quality and to save unnecessary costs, the filters should be selected accordingly. At first glance, incorrect dimensioning may save costs, but in the further course of time it can lead to additional costs and a large number of problems. With recirculated air, the air must be cleaned accordingly by exhaust air purification methods such as air washers, electrostatic filters.

The variety of these design considerations, as well as regular inspection and maintenance, reduce costs through extended equipment life and reduced maintenance. Proper regulation and maintenance of the system in relation to the task of the rooms to be supplied are further ways of saving costs and, or leading to a reduction in the improvements in the indoor climate.

Important for HVAC system operators: law and health

Odoo - Example 1 for three columns

Legal situation and regulation

Legal situation in the event of damage  

  • Legal obligations of HVAC system operators

  • Liability and liability for damages StGB and OWiG

  • Reversal of the burden of proof in case of damage - or in case of illness at work

Legal requirements and regulations

  • Labour Protection Act 

  • Workplace Ordinance

  • StGB and OWiG Penal and regulatory sanctions for violations

  • Reference to VDI6022 "State of the art



Odoo - Example 3 for three columns

Health potentials and risks

Hazards and health risks

  • Serious illness and/or occupational disease
    with claims for damages and legal consequences for plant operators

  • Increased absenteeism and sick leave

  • Poor indoor climate reduces the ability to concentrate and decreases productivity

Potentials, improvement of the working climate

  • Increased productivity through employee satisfaction and consequent performance

  • Improvement of the indoor air climate
    Temperature, sound level and humidity

  • Reduction of fine dust, germs or pollen etc.



To put it in a nutshell

The profluid - hygiene inspection is a clean thing

                              In order for you to benefit from your ventilation system, proper maintenance and control is an investment that pays off. To ensure that the operators of an air handling system meet all legal requirements and fulfil their duty of documentation, it makes sense to look for a competent partner for hygiene inspections. Thanks to our database system HiXDB ®, our inspection reports are systematically structured, clear and considerably more detailed than required by VDI6022. Thus, we guarantee a legally compliant documentation and a detailed list of defects with recommendations for action for a smooth and economic plant operation.


                                "We stand by them so that they can benefit from a healthy working environment, save energy and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs. We offer more than just a hygiene inspection"  

                              The advantages of a profluid hygiene inspection

                              Legal protection in the event of damage through
                              Exact documentation of the legal requirements
                              Prevention of occupational diseases, general illnesses and allergies means fewer sick days
                              Reduction of harmful pollution from the outside air (pollen, fine dust and biological micro-particles)
                              Well adjusted RLT systems and high air quality improve the working climate and increase productivity
                              Avoidance of medium and long-term maintenance costs (increased service life of the system components)
                              Economic and efficient plant operation
                              through efficiently adjusted systems (energy saving)

                              Objectives for the operation of an air handling system

                              Reduction of harmful pollution from the outside air (pollen, mould, fine dust, etc.)
                              Improvement of the working climate through clean air (CO2 content, temperature, humidity)
                              Removal of pollutants that arise in the workplace (prevention of occupational illnesses, e.g. painters, welders)

                              Problems caused by air handling systems

                              Increased exposure to germs and fungal spores may lead to health problems such as the so-called sick building syndrome, to increased absenteeism and has a negative effect on the immune system etc.
                              Poor indoor climate, too high CO2 saturation, noise pollution (poor concentration)
                              Reduced performance.

                              Disadvantages in terms of profitability, increased energy consumption, compensation for sick employees, legal consequences in case of negligence (operator is liable)

                                Profit from our know-how.

                                We are service providers at a leading manufacturer in the automotive industry.