"As part of a new build, we needed to get all ducts cleaned prior to commissioning to the TR/19 specification. PdC took that full ownership of that part of the job, and were both helpful and pro–active in solving any problems that arose."

Dennis Cornwell, Ei–WHS More...

BS EN15780:
'Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Cleanliness of ventilation systems'

The need for clean air conditioning and ventilation systems has been recognised formally by the BSI in the new standard BS EN15780 'Ventilation for buildings - Ductwork - Cleanliness of ventilation systems', which lays down cleanliness standards to be met in a variety of situations. This originalted as part of the CEN program for standardisation across Europe.

The introduction of a new British Standard for cleanliness levels in newly installed ductwork is will help to reduce confusion within the industry.

With standardised levels of cleanliness in ductwork systems laid out according to a building's intended use, then specifiers, installers and facilities managers now have clear guidance, a published set of standards and a new vacuum test that can apply to circular duct as well as rectangular ductwork.

The new document (BS EN15780:2011) was originally prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 156 "Ventilation for buildings", the secretariat of which is held by BSI.

This document is has been formally ratified and is now adopted by the BSI.

The main target audience for this standard is intended to be specifiers of the cleanliness quality classes and cleaning methods, primarily;

• system designers who also specify the system of access,
• building owners,
• services companies,
• maintenance companies,
• end users and
• consultancy and control companies.

This Standard will apply to both new and existing ventilation and air conditioning systems and will define the assessment criteria of cleanliness, cleaning procedures of these systems, and the validation of the effectiveness of cleaning. It applies also to products used in air conditioning and ventilation systems for human occupancy. However, this standard will not apply to installations for industrial processes.

Cleanliness of ventilation systems is considered important for human comfort and health, energy consumption, system service life and for cleanliness of operations or processes carried out in the ventilated area.

The standard also allows for change of components as an alternative for cleaning where appropriate (e.g. in case of flexible ducts and air filters).

The standard will specify general requirements and procedures necessary in assessing and maintaining the cleanliness of ducted ventilation, including:

Cleanliness Quality Classification

• how to assess the need for cleaning (visual, measurements);
• assessment frequency (general guidance); guidance of system inspections in accordance with EN 15239, and EN 15240 when relevant.
• selection of cleaning method - to be in line with handing over documentation according to EN 12599.
• how to assess the result of cleaning.

This standard is a parallel standard to EN 12097, which specifies requirements for dimension, shape and location for access panels for cleaning and service in ductwork systems

This standard is made as an umbrella standard with informative annexes that can be revised, completed and further added in future revisions of this standard for specific system types, and products or applications in the system, such as:

• Air Handling Units (AHU)
• Filter
• Humidifiers
• Heat recovery units
• Decentralised air treatment units such as fan-coil units, induction units
• Terminal devices
• Kitchen extract equipment

If you are interested in reading further, you can take a look at a draft version (April 2008) of the EN15780 specification.