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No mold in Vienna trams: studies bring clarity!
Inspections in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus confirm: Viennese trams are mold-free and maintenance standards are being optimized.
No mold in Vienna trams: studies bring clarity!
In the last few days, a newspaper report about possible defects in the air conditioning systems of Vienna trams caused a stir. The drivers of the ULF trains, who had made numerous complaints about the air quality in their cabins, were particularly suspicious. Is there actually a risk of mold or are these unfounded fears? Austria 24 reports that comprehensive internal investigations have now brought clarity.
Wiener Linien proactively commissioned a report before the media coverage broke out. On July 21st and 22nd, an independent expert examined a total of eight ULF sets. The results are clear: the concentration of mesophilic fungi in the driver's cabs was many times lower than the values outside the trams. All clear for drivers!
Comprehensive inspections without defects
The labor inspectorate also carried out checks in three workshops - in Favoriten, Floridsdorf and Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. The focus was clearly on the air conditioning systems in the driver's cabs and the corresponding maintenance work. Like that Courier reports, no major defects in terms of mold or contamination were found during the inspections. This was also confirmed by a spokesman for the Ministry of Labor. However, a final report from the labor inspectorate is still pending.
Driver feedback on the cooling effect and air quality has by no means gone unnoticed by Wiener Linien. The evaluation of this information took place before the media reports and shows that the concerns of the employees were seriously addressed.
Optimization of maintenance processes
Since the beginning of 2023, Wiener Linien has implemented a pilot project to optimize maintenance processes. As part of this, every air conditioning system in the driver's cabs is checked and cleaned at least once a year. Such steps are absolutely necessary to ensure that the ventilation systems meet hygienic requirements. According to VDI guideline 6022, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to minimize health risks caused by air pollution and extend the service life of systems. The use of suitable filters and materials also plays an important role here as the refrigeration technology informs.
In summary, drivers' concerns are understandable, but the investigation results collected did not reveal anything urgent. Wiener Linien does everything it can to ensure the air quality in its vehicles and is continually working to improve maintenance standards. With high air quality in the driver's cabins, a good working atmosphere should also be ensured - for drivers and passengers alike.