AIISA, the Italian Association of HVAC Systems’ Hygienists, was born in April 2004 as a result of the cooperation of several Italian companies whose goal was to establish a recognized procedure in the field of cleaning and maintenance of air conditioning systems. Therefore, its mission is the diffusion of the knowledge of the best available procedure for the effective and safe cleaning of air conditioning systems. It’s motto is "Quality is Knowledge", which means that only a continuing learning process will help professionals to perform at the highest levels.

Raffaele T. Caruso graduated as Electrical Engineer and has worked for 13 years in the installation field in projects abroad as Project Manager for Sadelmi Cogepi (Installation Company of General Electric). He’s been Commercial  Manager for different product lines in 3M Italy for 17 years. Presently he is AIISA Secretary, developing with the Board of Directors  AIISA’s communication strategies and internal organization.

 

 

 

1- AIISA has been working closely with NADCA. Why NADCA and how is this partnership evolving?

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), is a not-for-profit trade organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NADCA represents around 1,000 companies around the world specializing in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system cleaning.

 

NADCA has established a  partnership relation with the Associazione Italiana Igienisti Sistemi Aeraulici (AIISA), its counterpart in Italy. Through this partnership, members of AIISA receive training and certification consistent with the ACR 2006 Standard. AIISA’s member companies have also agreed to provide services in accordance with the ACR 2006 Standard, ensuring that all clients receive the same high quality HVAC cleaning service.

 

2- Could you please highlight one of the most important steps in this relationship so far?

Since a couple of years all NADCA Regular Members (the ones that directly provide the cleaning service to clients) must have in their organization at least one ASCS (Air System Cleaning Specialist). To be an ASCS you must learn the documentation included in the NADCA Study Packet and perform a dedicated exam consisting of 150 questions with four multiple choice answers.

 

AIISA decided to follow the same rules and signed an agreement with NADCA in order to have Italian ASCS studying and performing exams in Italy and in Italian language.

 

It was the first international agreement signed by NADCA with a foreign association with this type of content.

 

3- How has AIISA adapted NADCA’s certification to the Italian reality and what are the results so far?

The Study Packet was duly translated into Italian by AIISA and a proper amount of exam questions were arranged and deeply coordinated with NADCA in Washington.
 

The portion of exams dedicated to the National Regulations takes in consideration the relevant Italian laws.
 

AIISA has already organized two exam sessions in Italy and two more are foreseen in 2008 (June and October). Up to now 22 new Italian ASCS passed the exams reaching ASCS international certification.

 

4- What has been the feedback from the industry regarding this iniciative?

The said AIISA organizing efforts gave the Association a tremendous return in terms of professional image, easily monitored  by the number of visits to AIISA’s website.

 

Also, the number of new AIISA members is increasing: through their affiliations with AIISA and NADCA, these companies have demonstrated their commitment to professional HVAC cleaning.

 

5- How will AIISA and NADCA build on this partnership?

During the last NADCA Annual Meeting held in San Diego, CA on 7-10th March 2008, an International Forum was foreseen. The aim of the International Forum is to have the International members in the same room sharing with open minds the trends, market conditions and other developments impacting the global industry.

 

During the San Diego Meeting, great emphasis was given by NADCA to the unique relationship with AIISA. The same approach will be used in other different countries, respecting the local language and local laws eventually available.

 

The good results of the two associations’ actions encourage Giorgio Ziragachi, President of AIISA, to start investigating the possibility of similar relationships in NADCA’s Region 12 (actually Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey). In fact Mr. Ziragachi is acting as Coordinator of the said Region, as IT Studio srl Italy General Manager.

 

6- Which will be the next step to develop your communication program ?

AIISA invited a NADCA Board of Directors representative to be present during the first AIISA/NADCA meeting foreseen in Rome on 22/25th October 2008. During this event technical seminars will also be shared with all Italian ASCS in order to have them duly trained in accordance with the AIISA/NADCA Continuing Education Credit Program. During this meeting AIISA has foreseen an exposition section, open to the industry trade representatives.