New Edition of VDI 6022 Part 1: Hygiene and Hygiene Inspections of HVAC Systems

In January, the VDI published a completely revised edition of part 1 of the VDI 6022 series. The guideline deals with hygiene in HVAC systems with the objective of preventing negative effects on room air. The VDI is a German association of engineers (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure).

Since 1998, guideline 6022 has described the state of the art regarding hygiene in air conditioning systems. It lists the integrated hygiene requirements regarding constructional, technical and organisational impacts on the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of HVAC systems. Additionally, it serves as a basis for the testing during a hygiene inspection. These requirements primarily serve to protect the health of individuals.

Up to now, geothermal heat exchangers were excluded because of the requirement that the temperature must stay above dew point. The new edition also describes how hygiene can be ensured in HVAC systems with underground air pipes.

Further innovations in the current edition are:

• Inclusion of parts 1.1 to 1.3
• Introduction of air measurement
• Explanation of risk assessment
• Adjustment of filter classes

In addition, the guideline provides tips on practice-oriented evaluation of cleanliness of HVAC systems. Measuring methods preferred by European standards are evaluated according to VDI 6022 with regards to existing measuring methods. You will find a content summary of the new version of VDI 6022 Part 1 on the VDI homepage. The guideline can be obtained through the Beuth Verlag.