HVAC Contamination Type

HVAC Contamination Type
Cleaning methods, project specifications, environmental
engineering controls, and cleanliness verification
methods may vary depending on the type of
contaminants found within a building and its HVAC
system. Recognizing the type of contaminants present
and the type of HVAC system(s) within the building are
important parts of the overall project evaluation.
The HVAC systems, including air-handling units and
representative areas of the HVAC system components
and ductwork, must be evaluated for contamination type
and levels.
An HVAC system component is considered
contaminated when evidence of significant particulate
debris and/or visual microbial growth exists. A system is
considered to have microbial contamination when the
HVAC cleanliness evaluation identifies microbial growth
through visual inspection and/or analytical verification.
An HVAC system that is part of a building that has been
classified as having Condition 3 mold contamination
does not require further evaluation of the contaminants
by an IEP for restoration to commence.
It is highly recommended that any individual taking and
interpreting samples from the interior of HVAC systems
be an IEP with specific training in taking samples from
within such systems.