What is BS EN 15780 – Ductwork for cleanliness of ventilation systems about?
Ductwork channels are essential to the ventilation of buildings as they contribute to better indoor air quality irrespective of external weather conditions throughout the year.
BS EN 15780 is a European Standard which discusses the ductwork cleanliness of ventilation systems. The main objective of BS EN 15780 is to provide best industry test methods to ensure cleanliness of ventilation system such that its performance and effectiveness is not impaired.
BS EN 15780 applies to both new and existing ventilation and air conditioning systems and specifies the assessment criteria of cleanliness, cleaning procedures of these systems, and the validation of the effectiveness of cleaning applies also to products, which conform to EN 1505, EN 1506, EN 13053, EN 13180 and EN 13403, used in air conditioning and ventilation systems for
human occupancy defined in the scope of CEN/TC 156.
BS EN 15780 is a parallel standard to EN 12097, which specifies requirements for dimension, shape and location for access panels for cleaning and service in ductwork systems.
BS EN 15780 is made as an umbrella standard with informative annexes that can be revised, completed and further added in future revisions of this European Standard for specific system
types, and products or applications in the system, such as:
- Air Handling Units (AHU)
- Filter
- Humidifiers
- Heat recovery units
- Decentralised air treatment units such as fan-coil units, induction units
- Terminal devices
- Kitchen extract equipment.
Note: BS EN 15780 does not apply to installations for industrial processes.
Who is BS EN 15780 - Ductwork for cleanliness of ventilation systems for? 
BS EN 15780 on ductwork for cleanliness of ventilation systems is relevant to: 
- Manufacturers of ventilation and air conditioning systems
- System designers
- Building owners
- Service and maintenance companies
- Consultancies and control companies
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Product designers
- Building designers and architects
Why should you use BS EN 15780 - Ductwork for cleanliness of ventilation systems?
Cleanliness of ventilation systems is considered important for human comfort and health, energy consumption, system service life and for cleanliness of operations or processes carried out in the ventilated area.
In this regard, BS EN 15780 specifies general requirements and procedures necessary in assessing and maintaining the cleanliness of ducted ventilation, including:
- Cleanliness quality classification
- How to assess the need for cleaning (visual, measurements)
- Assessment frequency (general guidance); guidance of system inspections in accordance with EN 15239 and EN 15240 when relevant
- Selection of cleaning method – to be in line with handing over documentation according to EN 12599
- How to assess the result of cleaning
Considerations for change of component as an alternative for cleaning (e.g. in case of flexible ducts and air filters) are also included.
As a result, adopting BS EN 15780 can ensure adequate performance and effective functioning of ventilation systems.
