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ACR The NADCA Standard • 2013 7 Section 1 – Inspections 1.0 Overview: Inspections are an important component of any HVAC cleaning and restoration project. HVAC inspections shall be performed to determine the need for cleaning. HVAC inspections shall also be performed to determine the scope of work, engineering controls, safety measures and tools and equipment necessary to perform a cleaning and restoration project. 1.1 When to Perform an Inspection: Inspections shall be performed before and after HVAC cleaning and restoration projects. It is also recommended that routine inspections be performed as part of a proactive energy and indoor air quality management plan. 1.2 HVAC Inspector Qualification: It is recommended that a qualified HVAC inspector, such as an Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS), Certified Ventilation Inspector (CVI), or equivalent, be used to determine the preliminary state of HVAC system cleanliness. At minimum, such personnel shall have a verifiable working knowledge of basic HVAC system design, fundamental HVAC engineering practices, current industry HVAC cleaning and restoration techniques, and applicable industry standards. Individuals who are inspecting for microbial contamination shall be qualified (through training and experience) and licensed (where applicable by law) to determine Conditions 1, 2 and 3. 1.2.1 Risk Assessment: Prior to conducting an inspection of the HVAC system the inspector shall have a clear understanding what impact the inspection process may have on the building environment and its occupants. 1.3 HVAC Pre-Inspection: HVAC plans, building plans, and understanding the layout of the home or building will provide important information needed to establish the scope of work. Both building floor plans and mechanical plans, if available, shall be used during the inspection, cleaning and restoration work. 1.4 Appropriate Environmental Engineering Controls: HVAC inspection activities may adversely influence a building's indoor environment. Of primary concern is the disturbance of settled particulate and the potential for disturbed particles to be released into occupied areas. During an inspection, appropriate engineering controls shall be used to manage the general workspace environment. 1.5 Routine HVAC Inspection: It is recommended that HVAC system inspections be part of a building's overall energy and indoor air quality management plan, and that the inspections be addressed in accordance with documents such as ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180 Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems and NFPA 90-A Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems Today. 1.5.1 Inspection Schedule Table HVAC systems shall be routinely inspected for cleanliness by visual means. Table 1 provides a recommended inspection schedule for major HVAC components within different building use classifications. The inspection intervals specified in Table 1 are minimum recommendations 1.5.1.1 It is recommended that more frequent cleanliness inspections be performed when geographical, human or mechanical conditions make it necessary. Table 1 HVAC Cleanliness Inspection Schedule(Recommended Intervals) Building Use Classification Air- handling Unit Supply Duct Return Duct / Exhaust Duct Residential 1 year 2 years 2 years Commercial 1 year 1 year 1 year Industrial 1 year 1 year 1 year Healthcare 1 year 1 year 1 year Marine 1 year 2 years 2 years 1.6 HVAC System Inspection – Construction, Retrofit and Remodel: HVAC system components often collect significant amounts of debris and particulate during construction activities within a building. It is recommended that new and existing HVAC systems that are part of a construction, retrofit or remodel project be inspected and verified as clean before the system is permitted to operate. 1.7 Performing HVAC System Component Inspections: The cleanliness inspection shall include, at minimum, 10% of the HVAC system components. If the inspection is being conducted as part of a mold remediation project in accordance with IICRC Standard S520, then all components of the HVAC system shall be inspected.