Free duct cleaning inspection checklist

• The MapTrack duct cleaning inspection checklist contains 28 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: System identification & access, Pre-clean condition assessment, Liner, seams & fire dampers, Cleaning method & equipment, Post-clean verification, Defects & sign-off.
• Project and site details: building level AHU served duct system designation and inspection date
• Access points: location type (panel hinged access door or removed grille) and any new access points cut during the project
• Surface contamination assessment: loose particulate adhered debris fibreglass shedding corrosion and microbial visual indicators recorded against the ACR assessment criteria

Learn more about maintenance and work orders in MapTrack.

• NADCA ACR 2025 structure: organises every inspection around ACR, The NADCA Standard (2025 edition), so the result can be explained to clients, insurers and air quality auditors
• Pre-clean baseline: photographic and measurement evidence captured before work starts protects the cleaner from disputes about pre-existing damage or contamination
• Method selection: surface assessment of loose particulate adhered debris and microbial indicators drives the correct choice of negative-air contact vacuuming or hand wiping
• IAQ protection: catches mould rodent intrusion and fibreglass shedding that recirculate through occupied zones and trigger sick-building complaints from tenants
• Post-clean verification: the Surface Comparison Test or the NADCA Vacuum Test, cleanliness verification methods named in ACR 2025, confirms the duct is clean before the system is returned to service
• Compliance documentation: signed inspection records support WHS audits lease obligations and tenant indoor air quality complaints with defensible evidence

• Project and site details: building level AHU served duct system designation and inspection date
• Access points: location type (panel hinged access door or removed grille) and any new access points cut during the project
• Surface contamination assessment: loose particulate adhered debris fibreglass shedding corrosion and microbial visual indicators recorded against the ACR assessment criteria
• Particulate sampling: NADCA vacuum test pad results in milligrams per 100 square centimetres for supply return and exhaust
• Microbial assessment: visible mould or biofilm presence tape-lift sample location and any submitted laboratory report reference
• Damage and defects: torn internal liner damaged duct seams missing fire dampers or volume control dampers found during access
• Photographic record: before and after photos at each major access point with timestamp and location reference
• Equipment and method: cleaning method used equipment list negative air machine HEPA filter rating and chemical applied if any
• Post-clean verification: Surface Comparison Test result for accessible surfaces, and a NADCA Vacuum Test sample if specified (NADCA pass level: no more than 0.75 mg per 100 square centimetres)
• Final sign-off: cleaner trade qualifications supervisor sign-off and client acknowledgement

1. Plan the system and review drawings

   obtain the AHU schedule and as-built ductwork drawings identify all supply return and exhaust runs locate existing access points and plan where new access doors will be cut for hose insertion

2. Conduct a pre-clean walkthrough

   open every accessible panel photograph the internal duct surface at each location measure particulate accumulation and assess surface contamination against the ACR 2025 assessment criteria

3. Document microbial indicators

   where visible mould slime or biofilm is found photograph the area record the location and dimensions and tape-lift sample for laboratory analysis if the client or specification requires it

4. Select the cleaning method and equipment

   based on the surface assessment choose negative-air mechanical agitation contact vacuuming or hand wiping and confirm the negative air machine HEPA filter is rated at least 99.97 percent at 0.3 microns

5. Carry out cleaning to NADCA acceptance criteria

   section by section agitate or vacuum the duct interior work upstream to downstream so dislodged debris is captured by the negative air collector and never leaves the duct system

6. Verify post-clean condition

   re-open each access point photograph the cleaned surface verify cleanliness with the Surface Comparison Test (no visible debris dust film or microbial indicators) and take a NADCA Vacuum Test sample where the specification demands it

7. Restore the system and sign off

   seal all access doors with approved tape or hardware replace filters in the AHU return the system to service complete the inspection checklist with signatures and lodge photographic records and any laboratory reports with the client

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• ACR, The NADCA Standard for Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC Systems (2025 edition)
• AS/NZS 3666.2:2011 - Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control - Operation and maintenance
• AS 1668.2:2024 - The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Mechanical ventilation in buildings
• ISO 16890
• WHS Act 2011

• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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