[Condensation water drainage of cooling systems in cold storage rooms--a problem of hygiene]

There has been accumulation of water and of dusty dirt in many condensation water containers of cooling systems in cold-storage rooms. Random but thorough microbiological testing of these accumulations in hospital kitchens proved the presence of possible agents that promote spoiling of food, pathogens of infections and food poisons. This is due to technical and hygienic flaws particularly as far as maintenance and condensation drainage are concerned. There are no regulations for technical and hygienic standards in cold-storage rooms e.g. according to DIN, ISO or VDI. However, such regulations are essential. Cooling systems should be included in the DIN 1986 prescriptions (air-conditioned systems) or receive their own regulations. On account of the present findings air-condition systems require specification and extension of the existing standards esp. in the area of condensation drainage and regular disinfectant cleaning.