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HVAC HYGIENE MANAGEMENT – SAN-AIR® TREATMENT – Draft Specification

(Refurbishment Works – Pre- and Post-Construction)

1 GENERAL

1.1 Scope

Provide a staged HVAC hygiene management strategy to reduce airborne and surface mould contamination associated with refurbishment works, including:

Pre-works microbial risk reduction within existing HVAC systems
Ongoing mould suppression during construction
Post-works verification of HVAC hygiene performance

The intent is to minimise the mobilisation and spread of fungal spores caused by demolition, ceiling works, and mechanical system disturbance.

1.2 Application

Apply this clause to all existing and modified HVAC systems serving the works area, including but not limited to:

Air Handling Units (AHUs)
Fan Coil Units (FCUs)
Split systems (ducted and non-ducted)

1.3 Performance Intent

Reduce mould spore load within HVAC systems prior to commencement of works
Maintain suppressed microbial growth during refurbishment activities
Verify acceptable post-works HVAC hygiene conditions via independent testing

2 PRE-WORKS SAN-AIR® TREATMENT

2.1 General

Prior to any demolition, ceiling access, or mechanical modification works, treat all nominated HVAC systems with San-AIR® antimicrobial treatment.

Treatment is to be completed before site establishment and prior to disturbance of existing services.

2.2 Treatment Requirements

Apply San-AIR® to:
- AHU internal components (coils, drain pans, internal surfaces)
- FCU internal air paths
- Split system indoor units and associated air discharge zones
Treatment methodology to be suitable for occupied or partially occupied buildings where applicable.
Application to be carried out by an approved San-AIR® service provider in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

2.3 Objective

Reduce existing mould and microbial contamination within HVAC systems
Lower the risk of spore dispersion during refurbishment works
Improve baseline indoor air quality prior to construction activities

3 MICROBIAL TESTING – BASELINE (PRE-WORKS)

3.1 Testing Locations

Undertake mould spore testing at representative locations downstream of HVAC systems, including:

Supply air outlets
Return air paths where accessible
Representative occupied zones served by treated systems

3.2 Testing Requirements

Testing to be completed after pre-works San-AIR® treatment and prior to commencement of refurbishment works
Testing to be undertaken by a suitably qualified independent IAQ or hygiene specialist
Results to establish a documented baseline condition for HVAC hygiene prior to works

3.3 Reporting

Provide a written report including:

Sampling locations
Test methodology
Quantitative spore counts
Commentary on HVAC hygiene condition at baseline

4 POST-WORKS SAN-AIR® GEL TREATMENT

4.1 General

Following completion of refurbishment works, provide San-AIR® gel treatment to all nominated HVAC systems.

4.2 Duration

Maintain San-AIR® gel treatment for a minimum period of 3 months after completion of works.

4.3 Purpose

Manage residual mould spores introduced during refurbishment
Suppress microbial regrowth within HVAC systems during the post-construction stabilisation period
Support long-term HVAC hygiene outcomes following recommissioning

5 POST-WORKS VERIFICATION TESTING

5.1 Timing

Conduct post-works mould spore testing one (1) week after completion of refurbishment works and recommissioning of HVAC systems.

5.2 Testing Locations

Same or equivalent downstream locations as baseline testing to allow direct comparison.

5.3 Acceptance Criteria

Demonstrated reduction or acceptable stabilisation of mould spore levels compared to baseline results
No abnormal spore elevation attributable to HVAC system operation

5.4 Reporting

Provide a post-works verification report including:

Comparative analysis against baseline results
Confirmation of HVAC hygiene performance
Commentary on suitability for occupation

6 COORDINATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Coordination

Coordinate San-AIR® treatments and testing with:
- Mechanical contractor
- Builder
- Commissioning agent
- Facility manager (where applicable)

6.2 Protection of Works

Ensure treatments do not damage HVAC components, finishes, or controls.
Protect completed works during application.

7 SUBMITTALS

Provide the following prior to commencement:

San-AIR® treatment methodology
Product data and safety documentation
Proposed testing methodology and sampling locations

Provide the following at completion:

Pre-works baseline test report
Post-works verification test report
Confirmation of gel treatment duration and locations

8 RATIONALE (INFORMATIVE – NOT PART OF CONTRACT)

Refurbishment works are a known trigger for mould spore mobilisation due to:

Ceiling and duct disturbances
Increased particulate movement
Temporary HVAC shutdowns and recommissioning

Early intervention using antimicrobial HVAC treatments, combined with verification testing, provides a proactive hygiene control strategy and reduces downstream risks to occupants, contractors, and building owners.