NADCA standard: what it is and what its standards are

When exploring topics such as cleanroom hygiene and maintenance, it is essential to be acquainted with the NADCA standard. This standard is recognized as the most rigorous international standard for the cleanliness of ventilation systems in general, , which obviously intervenes for cleanrooms as well.

The standards to be met on HVAC systems

The most recent update from NADCA was released in March 2021, focusing on the guidelines for conducting thorough hygienic assessments of both new and existing HVAC systems.

It specifically indicates:

• How to determine if the system requires cleaning.
• The cleanliness level that can be verified;
• the method of validating the cleaning activity;
• How to perform the cleaning of  systems or their components and restoring them.
• the need to pay attention of hazards in the workplace.
• the need  to evaluate the level of risk associated with cross-contamination in indoor environments during different work phases, along with implementing environmental engineering strategies.

When to conduct facility cleaning.

According to the NADCA standard,

when one or more of the following conditions are present,

the facility needs to be cleaned:

• Contamination by particulate or sediment.
• decreased performance caused by the buildup of contaminants.
• The existence of unusual smells.
• The transportation of visible particles, debris, and dirt into the designated area.
• Contamination occured due to damage caused by water, smoke, and fire.
• Contaminations of animal origin;
• contaminations stemming from flammable particulate matter.
• contamination from construction site dust and debris;
• mold contamination has reached ACR 2021 conditions 2 or 3;
• the lining of the aeraulic ducts is deteriorated.

Facility cleaning is also required in these cases:

• When it is included in maintenance programs for HVAC systems or their equipment;
• when scheduled within an energy program;
• When included in indoor air quality management programs
• when required to achieve LEED certification.

You can reach out to AGMM TECH for further details.