Drawing attention to the increased use of air conditioners with the arrival of summer, Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur, Vice Head of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department, emphasized that air conditioner maintenance is not merely a matter of comfort but also a critical issue involving serious health risks and legal responsibilities.
Stating that the periodic control of ventilation and air conditioning systems in the workplace is regulated by law, Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur said, 'Filter cleaning should generally be done once a month, and general system maintenance at least once a year. However, these periods may need to be shortened depending on the characteristics of the environment.'
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur, Vice Head of Üsküdar Üniversitesi's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Department, stated that with the arrival of summer, the increased use of air conditioners makes their maintenance not just a matter of comfort, but also a critical issue involving serious health risks and legal responsibilities.
Air conditioner maintenance is a health and safety issue
Drawing attention to the increased use of air conditioners in indoor spaces with the arrival of summer, Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur said, 'The maintenance and cleaning of air conditioning systems are critically necessary not only for the efficient operation of the devices but also for protecting the health of individuals in enclosed environments. Especially the periodic maintenance of air conditioning systems used in workplaces is among the employer's responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Law No. 6331.'
Legal obligation and periodic maintenance processes
Stating that the periodic control of ventilation and air conditioning systems in the workplace is regulated under the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur said, 'Filter cleaning should generally be done once a month, and general system maintenance at least once a year. However, these periods may need to be shortened depending on the characteristics of the environment.'
How should air conditioner inspection be according to OHS legislation?
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur noted that according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, employers are obliged to prevent all risks that may threaten employee health, and within this scope, the regular control and maintenance of air conditioning and ventilation systems used in workplaces is a legal responsibility. He continued:
'In accordance with Law No. 6331 and the Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment, these systems must be periodically inspected by competent persons, and the performed operations must be documented and recorded. Furthermore, in enclosed environments with high employee density, it is important to regularly measure air quality parameters such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM), humidity levels, and temperature to assess the safety of the environment for breathability. These measurements should be carried out by occupational hygiene laboratories or persons authorized by the employer. Microbiological, chemical, or allergen risks arising from air conditioning systems should be integrated into the workplace's general risk assessment; and measures to be taken against hazards that maintenance personnel may be exposed to during the maintenance process must be clearly defined. Negligence in these processes is not just a technical deficiency but also a serious legal responsibility that risks employee health.'
Dirty filters can trigger respiratory ailments
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur stated that untidy filters accumulate harmful particles such as dust, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pollen over time. He added, 'This accumulation can trigger respiratory ailments and lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and eye irritation in employees. Particularly, pathogens like Legionella bacteria can be transmitted through improperly maintained air conditioning systems.'
Employee safety during maintenance
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur also emphasized that employees performing air conditioner cleaning must be protected against biological and chemical risks that may arise during cleaning. He stated, 'The use of personal protective equipment is mandatory during this process. During air conditioner maintenance, employees must use FFP2 or FFP3 level respiratory masks, chemical-resistant nitrile gloves, safety glasses or face shields, and anti-static coveralls or disposable work clothes to protect themselves against chemical substances and airborne particles.'
Unmaintained air conditioners cannot adequately lower room temperature
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur also stated that powerful chemicals contained in cleaning agents can be absorbed through the skin and respiratory tract, threatening employee health. He said, 'Therefore, not only appropriate personal protective equipment but also a work arrangement in well-ventilated areas must be ensured. Unmaintained air conditioners cannot adequately lower the room temperature during summer. This situation negatively affects employees' thermal comfort, leading to distraction, decreased performance, and heat stress. The suitability of workplace environmental conditions is directly related to employee productivity and the prevention of occupational accidents.'
Air conditioners should not be turned on immediately after getting into a car in hot weather
Assistant Professor Dr. Sertaç Temur noted that regular maintenance and checks of air conditioning systems are indispensable not only for device health but also for the quality of air breathed by employees and overall occupational health. He concluded, 'Maintenance is required not only for air conditioners used in offices, homes, and workplaces but also in vehicles. Air conditioners should not be turned on immediately after getting into a car in hot weather. This is because chemicals accumulated inside air conditioners have a high probability of releasing toxic gases when mixed with hot air. Therefore, when getting into a vehicle, it is necessary to open the windows for a short period to ventilate the interior before turning on the air conditioner.'