PMOC: what it is, who needs one and what the plan should include

What the PMOC is

PMOC stands for Plano de Manutenção, Operação e Controle (Maintenance, Operation and Control Plan). It is the document that defines the maintenance and operation routines for an environment's air-conditioning systems and how those routines are controlled and recorded.

Legal basis and related standards

Law No. 13,589/2018 governs the maintenance of installations and equipment of air-conditioning systems in environments for public and collective use. Before it, the subject was covered by Ordinance No. 3,523/1998 of the Ministry of Health.

Two other documents are often cited on this topic: ANVISA Resolution RE No. 9/2003, which sets reference standards for indoor air quality in artificially air-conditioned environments, and ABNT NBR 16401, which sets design and indoor air quality requirements for air-conditioning installations.

Who needs one

The PMOC applies to artificially air-conditioned environments for public and collective use, such as commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centers and other spaces with circulation of people. Specific requirements vary according to the type of building, the capacity of the systems and state and municipal legislation, so the applicability should be determined together with the responsible engineer.

What the plan usually contains

• Identification of the environment and of the person responsible for the property.
• List of air-conditioning equipment and systems, with location and characteristics.
• Preventive maintenance schedule, with the frequency of each activity.
• Cleaning routines and replacement of components such as filters.
• Operation and control procedures.
• Records of the activities performed and the verification results.
• Identification of the qualified responsible engineer and the corresponding technical responsibility record with the professional council.

Good management practices

The PMOC only serves its purpose when it is carried out and recorded. Keeping the activity history accessible, reviewing the plan whenever the equipment or the use of the space changes, and tracking execution through indicators are practices that reduce the risk of the documentation existing only on paper.

Informational content, not a technical or legal opinion. The preparation and execution of the PMOC must be carried out by a qualified responsible professional, in accordance with current legislation.

Frequently asked questions