(a) The licensee shall be responsible for regular inspection, cleaning or replacement of all filters installed in heating, air conditioning and ventilating systems, as necessary to maintain the systems in normal operating condition. The efficiency of the replacement filters shall be equal to the efficiency rating of the replaced filters.

(b) A written record of inspection, cleaning or replacement including static pressure drop shall be regularly maintained and available for inspection. The record shall include a description of the filters originally installed, the atmospheric dust spot test efficiency rating according to “Standard 52.2-2017 -- Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size” (2017) by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), hereby incorporated by reference, and the criteria established by the manufacturer or supplier to determine when replacement or cleaning is necessary.

(c) Following filter replacement or cleaning, the installation shall be visually inspected for torn media and bypass in filter frames by means of a flashlight or equivalent, both with fans in operation and stopped. Tears in filter media and bypass in filter frames shall be eliminated in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and as required by the Department.

(d) Where filter maintenance is performed by an equipment service company, a certification shall be provided to the licensee that the requirements listed in Section 70839 (a) and (b) have been accommodated.

(e) If filter maintenance as required in Section 70839 (a) and (b) is performed by employees of the hospital, a written record shall be maintained by the licensee.