NYC DOH hotline Q&A on HVAC cleaning protocols and asbestos,

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

I. BUILDING RELATED ISSUES A. Landlords/Enforcement

• How do I know my landlord had the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system properly cleaned?

Contact your building owner and request this information. Building owners were advised by DEP to change filters in ventilation systems if they found debris after 9/11. Building owners were also requested to have debris assessed for the presence of asbestos by a certified asbestos investiqator.rThe removal of debris containing^ ■"greater than 1% asbestos requires that an asbestos abatement be performed in accordance with state and local (DEP) regulations. If debris in the system does not contain greater than 1 % asbestos, a visual inspection of the system components, including air handling units, ductwork, and plenums should be performed. DE? • Are there written protocols as to how to clean HVAC systems? 7 0 There are no standard protocols for cleaning HVAC systems (I think there are recommended approaches for cleaning HVAC - check with ASHRAE or BOMA). However, if systems are dusty and have not been cleaned since 9/11 the City recommends that the building owner/management company change filters on the system and use a HEPA vacuum to clean the system.

• What can I do about buildings or building areas that have not been cleaned (roofs, window sills, fire escapes, lobbies, hallways)? What agency enforces building cleaning?

We can take your contact information and information on the building of concern and provide it to DEP. DEP is the agency enforcing the cleaning requirements. These requirements for cleaning vary based on the hazard assessment.

• My landlord had the building cleaned back in September but he has not done anything since. Whom can I call to make sure (enforce) he continues to clean? The City has issued a new fact sheet on cleaning procedures reminding people in lower Manhattan to continue frequent cleaning. We can take your name and address and send you information in the mail, in addition, we can forward your concerns to DEP.

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