VDI 6022 hygiene guideline to protect our health

Published in 2006, the VDI 6022 guideline “Hygiene requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning systems and equipment” aims to achieve air quality in buildings that is beneficial to health. Healthy indoor air depends to a large extent on the quality of the air supplied from air handling systems and units. The guideline therefore focuses on the hygiene of ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

VDI 6022 is relevant for all systems that provide indoor occupied areas with supply air. This includes, for example, offices or industrial buildings. Stairwells or corridors are not affected by VDI 6022. Operators of air handling systems are responsible for implementing the directive themselves. The implementation of VDI 6022 is monitored by the trade supervisory authorities and the offices for occupational health and safety. Even though it was formulated for its area of application in Germany and Switzerland, the guideline is internationally relevant.

Healthy air to breathe indoors

Air handling units (AHUs) are designed to provide permanent and controlled ventilation and extraction in indoor spaces. They ensure a continuous exchange of indoor air by supplying outside air and simultaneously removing stale air. Ideally, air handling (HVAC) systems should provide breathable air that is free from pollutants and has a sufficient concentration of oxygen. Ventilation systems are mainly used when natural ventilation is either not possible or insufficient.

To prevent the distribution of contaminants (for example, virus-containing aerosols), HVAC systems must be properly set up and maintained. Particularly during a pandemic, it is essential to operate air handling systems correctly and to inspect and maintain them at regular intervals. Effective air filtration will separate viruses or render them harmless.

HVAC systems can affect indoor air quality. Deficiencies in the systems are associated with health risks. Insufficient cleaning, incorrect operation or improper system design can lead to the spread of dangerous germs. It is important to avoid a situation in which ventilation and air-conditioning systems themselves become a source of contamination. The air discharged into the room must not be of inferior quality to the air drawn in by the system.

VDI 6022 hygiene-requirements

Extend service life and reduce operating costs

Only correctly installed air filters in HVAC systems will provide effective protection for health and equipment. Suitable filter elements make it easier to comply with hygiene standards. This allows the service life of the equipment to be extended and helps to reduce operating costs.

HVAC system requirements according to VDI 6022

To prevent health risks and protect people, VDI 6022 specifies the hygiene requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning systems and equipment. The focus here is on physical, air-chemical and microbiological quality characteristics. The implementation of VDI 6022 is intended to ensure that HVAC systems remain in perfect working order, which is achieved through regular inspections and maintenance work. The guideline contains requirements for room air conditioning systems with respect to:

  • Planning
  • Manufacturing
  • Installation
  • Operation
  • Maintenance

Your specialist for hygiene inspection according to VDI 6022

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies provides thorough hygiene inspections of HVAC systems in accordance with the VDI 6022 guideline. For example, we conduct holistic system assessments, evaluate samples in an independent laboratory and prepare detailed, audit-compliant reports with recommendations for action.

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