AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ON-BOARD ON SHIP CONSIST OF AN AIR CONDITIONING PLANT AND AN AIR HANDLING UNIT (A.H.U). THIS AIR HANDLING UNIT CONTAINS AN AIR FILTER, EVAPORATOR COIL, HUMIDIFIER, HEATER/STEAM COIL. BLOWER ETC.
ONE OF THE SIMPLE AND MOST MAJOR MAINTENANCE AND DAILY OBSERVATION DURING ROUNDS IS TO CHECK THE WATER ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE A.H.U DUE TO CHOCKING OF DRAIN LINE. WATER SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO ACCUMULATE INSIDE THE A.H.U BECAUSE THIS STILL WATER IS A SAFE HEAVEN FOR THE LEGIONELLA BACTERIA.
LEGIONELLA BACTERIA WHEN GETS AIRBORNE THROUGH THIS AIR CAN CAUSE PNEUMONIA. THIS MAINLY EFFECT PEOPLE ABOVE 50, OR WITH PEOPLE HAVING ANY DISORDERS LIKE DIABETES.
TO PREVENT IT’S GROWTH FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN A.H.U WITHOUT FAIL :-
- THE DRAIN OF THE A.H.U SHOULD BE CLEAR.
- THE COATING INSIDE THE A.H.U SHOULD BE CHECKED AND IF DAMAGED IT SHOULD BE RENEWED.
- AIR FILTER TO BE RENEWED EVERY MONTH.
- A.H.U BOTTOM AND HUMIDIFIER TO BE CLEANED WITH HYPOCHLORINATED SOLUTION WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
- DRAIN HUMIDIFIER IF NOT IN USE.