AIR CONDITIONING


to establish measurable levels of deposited contamination. But while a documented inspection provides evidence of the system’s condition at a particular point in time, repeated inspections build a picture of how that condition changes. It’s this ongoing picture of trends that, over time, creates the opportunity to fi ne-tune predictive maintenance. By identifying deterioration early, understanding why it is occurring and targeting resources where they are most needed, building operators can balance energy effi ciency and performance with compliance and cost.


Certifi cation pathway Alongside TR19 Air, the formal certifi cation pathway introduced through the VHR Air category, operated by BESCA, the certifi cation arm of BESA, off ers contractors and duty holders a clean pathway to compliance.


VHR Air supports the Building Safety Act principles by


providing a clear ‘golden thread’ of traceability, verifi cation reports, and photographic evidence for building owners and insurers, while off ering a standardised, auditable way for contractors to self-certify ductwork cleaning and inspection works.


Registered contractors are required to register their work under the scheme, including whether the clean was full or partial, and to provide certifi cation alongside the relevant post-clean verifi cation report. Before-and-after photographic evidence and structured reporting create an auditable record of what was inspected, what was found, what work was undertaken and what condition the system was left in. A compliant clean should include:


■ A pre-clean inspection to assess contamination levels and system condition


■ A risk assessment and method statement ■Isolation of sections of the system where required ■ Mechanical cleaning with specialist rotary brush and negative pressure equipment


■Dust containment and controlled removal ■ Post-clean inspection including the Preferred Vacuum Test to measure residual dust levels


■Before-and-after photographic evidence ■ A formal Certifi cate of Cleanliness confi rming the system meets the TR19 Air specifi cation


■Recently trained and competent site staff .


In the event of a health and safety inspection or an insurance claim, this level of documentation enables building operators and duty holders to demonstrate that air hygiene work has been completed properly. The VHR’s own auditing process is also important. Registered


contractors may be required to submit reports for review, with shortcomings such as inadequate documentation, missing schematic information, or unexplained partial cleaning potentially identifi ed as non-conformances; this scrutiny helps raise standards and shape good practice across the industry.


Competency is key Technicians working under VHR Air must be trained and assessed against recognised BESA competence standards. Two


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core training courses underpin air hygiene competence: Air Hygiene Operative (AHO) – Designed for technicians carrying out inspection, access and cleaning. The course combines theory and practical assessment, covering safe working with HVAC systems, recognising components and ductwork, safe access, cleaning methods and techniques, sustainability and problem-solving. Candidates learn to prepare the work area and safely clean components, including air handling units, extract fans, and ductwork, to recognised industry standards. Air Hygiene Technician (AHT) – Designed for supervisors and managers responsible for planning works and verifying cleanliness. The course builds on operative-level knowledge and covers risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), installation of access panels, cleanliness testing and reporting, hazardous contamination, waterborne contaminants in AHUs, LEV systems and the commercial implications of non- compliance. AHT training also develops the skills needed to support


operatives and other team members in meeting TR19 Air requirements, while enabling supervisors to carry out pre- and post-clean testing, reporting and eff ective oversight of work. Ultimately, eff ective air conditioning management is not simply about keeping a building comfortable. It is about understanding the complete system, identifying risks early and maintaining the hidden surfaces that support its safe and effi cient operation.


www.acr-news.com • October 2026 25


'By using evaporation to absorb


heat from the airstream, adiabatic systems can deliver cooling with far less electrical input than mechanical refrigeration.'


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