Drawing attention to the increased use of air conditioners with the arrival of summer, Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur, Deputy Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Üsküdar University, emphasized that air conditioner maintenance is not merely a matter of comfort but a critical issue involving serious health risks and legal responsibilities.
Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur stated that the periodic inspection of ventilation and air conditioning systems in the workplace environment is regulated by legislation: “Filter cleaning should generally be done once a month, and general system maintenance should be performed at least once a year. However, depending on the characteristics of the environment, these intervals may need to be shortened,” he said.
Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur, Deputy Head of the Department of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) at Üsküdar University, drew attention to the increased use of air conditioning during the summer months, emphasizing that air conditioner maintenance is not merely a matter of comfort but a critical issue involving serious health risks and legal responsibilities.
Air conditioner maintenance is a matter of health and safety
Highlighting the increase in the use of air conditioning in enclosed spaces during summer, Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur said: “Maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning systems are not only necessary for the efficient functioning of the devices but also crucial for protecting the health of individuals in enclosed environments. Especially in workplaces, the periodic maintenance of air conditioning systems falls under the responsibilities of employers according to Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331.”
Legal requirements and periodic maintenance procedures
Asst. Prof. Temur emphasized that periodic inspections of ventilation and air conditioning systems in the workplace are regulated under the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment: “Filter cleaning is generally required once a month, and general system maintenance should be performed at least once a year. However, these periods may need to be shortened depending on the environment.”
How should air conditioner inspections be conducted according to OHS regulations?
According to OHS regulations, employers are obliged to prevent all risks that may threaten employees’ health. In this context, the regular inspection and maintenance of air conditioning and ventilation systems used in the workplace is a legal obligation, stated Asst. Prof.Sertaç Temur: “According to Law No. 6331 and the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, these systems must be periodically inspected by qualified professionals, and all operations must be documented and recorded. Moreover, in enclosed environments with high employee density, air quality parameters such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM), humidity levels, and temperature must be measured regularly to assess the breathability and safety of the environment. These measurements should be conducted by workplace hygiene laboratories or authorized personnel.
Microbiological, chemical, or allergenic risks caused by air conditioning systems must be integrated into the workplace’s overall risk assessment. Preventive measures for personnel involved in maintenance operations must be clearly defined. Neglecting these processes is not just a technical oversight, but a serious legal liability that endangers employee health.”
Dirty filters can trigger respiratory illnesses
Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur noted that uncleaned filters accumulate harmful particles over time such as dust, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pollen: “This buildup can trigger respiratory problems and cause symptoms in employees like headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation. In particular, pathogens such as Legionella bacteria can be transmitted through air conditioning systems that are not properly maintained.”
Employee safety during maintenance
Dr. Temur also emphasized that workers cleaning air conditioners must be protected against biological and chemical risks that may arise during maintenance: “The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory in this process. During air conditioner maintenance, employees must be protected against chemical substances and airborne particles by using FFP2 or FFP3 level respiratory masks, chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, goggles or face shields, and antistatic coveralls or disposable workwear.”
Poorly maintained air conditioners fail to cool effectively
Dr. Temur also warned that the strong chemicals in cleaning products may be absorbed through the skin or respiratory tract, threatening employee health: “For this reason, in addition to appropriate PPE, a well-ventilated work environment must be ensured. Air conditioners that are not properly maintained may fail to cool the environment sufficiently during summer. This negatively impacts employees’ thermal comfort, leading to decreased concentration, reduced performance, and heat stress. The suitability of workplace conditions is directly linked to employee productivity and the prevention of occupational accidents,” he explained.
Air conditioners in vehicles should not be turned on immediately in hot weather
Asst. Prof. Sertaç Temur concluded by stating that regular maintenance and inspection of air conditioning systems are essential not only for the devices themselves but also for the quality of air employees breathe and general occupational health: “Air conditioning systems must be maintained not only in offices, homes, and workplaces but also in vehicles. In hot weather, air conditioners should not be turned on immediately after entering a vehicle. This is because chemicals that accumulate inside the system may mix with the hot air and release toxic gases. Therefore, after entering a vehicle, the windows should be opened for a short time to ventilate the interior before turning on the air conditioner.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)