The Cleanliness Classification of Air-handling Components- A success Story in Finland

INTRODUCTION: The Finnish Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (FiSIAQ) introduced over twenty years ago in 1995 a Classification of Indoor Climate, Construction Cleanliness, and Finishing Materials and the third edition will be published autumn in the year 2017. Based on the criteria set in the classifications, The Building Information Foundation RTS sr started the M1-labelling of air handling components in 1999. Name of the classification is Cleanliness Classification of Air Handling Components.
METHODS: The criterion of the M1-classification of air handling components has not been revised during the years. The committee of Indoor Air PT17 has an authorization to accepted new criteria and test criterion groups for the class M1. Classified ducts and joints and other parts has been classified almost twenty years. The test scheme has to be accepted according to specified criteria in the classification working group before the tests. The classification criteria concern also dust-free warehousing and use on site. The new Indoor Air Classification 2017 and especially the changes made to the Cleanliness Classification of Air handling Component criteria and product groups will be presented.
RESULTS: The Finnish classification system has established a solid position in air -handling markets in Finland. Most of the factories producing duct-work components are located in Finland and some of them are located also in Sweden and Estonia. In February 2017 there were almost 330 M1-labelled air handling products from 13 companies representing 70% of the Finnish markets. The cleanliness classification of air handling components follows the changes, developments and needs of the market. According to development of the products and their features, new group of products will be gathered to keep the system practical.
CONCLUSIONS: The Indoor Air Classification 2017 includes the Cleanliness Classification of Air Handling Components. A result of implementation the system is that manufactures have developed HVAC components, products and production processes continuously in order to fulfil cleanliness criteria with low dust, low oil contamination and low odour emissions. The adopted system improves high quality of supply air in the ventilated offices, homes and other conventional buildings.