A Ventilation Strategy Against COVID19

Extracting The Virus

As social distancing is being relaxed in England and would soon become a reality here in Scotland, let us use this time wisely. It is important that every establishment has a clear ventilation strategy that would help control the spread of the coronavirus. Please see tips from the Federation of European heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning Associations (REHVA) guidance document below.

“Latest studyxvii concluded that aerosol transmission is plausible, as the virus can remain viable in aerosols for multiple hours. Another recent studyxviii that analysed superspreading events showed that closed environments with minimal ventilation strongly contributed to a characteristically high number of secondary infections.” Summary of practical measures for building services operation. 

1. Secure ventilation of spaces with outdoor air 

2. Switch ventilation to nominal speed at least 2 hours before the building usage time and switch to lower speed 2 hours after the building usage time 

3. At nights and weekends, do not switch ventilation off, but keep systems running at lower speed 

4. Ensure regular airing with windows (even in mechanically ventilated buildings) 

5. Keep toilet ventilation 24/7 in operation 

6. Avoid open windows in toilets to assure the right direction of ventilation 

7. Instruct building occupants to flush toilets with closed lid 

8. Switch air handling units with recirculation to 100% outdoor air 

9. Inspect heat recovery equipment to be sure that leakages are under control 

10. Switch fan coils either off or operate so that fans are continuously on 

11. Do not change heating, cooling and possible humidification setpoints 

12. Do not plan duct cleaning for this period 

13. Replace central outdoor air and extract air filters as usually, according to maintenance schedule 

14. Regular filter replacement and maintenance works shall be performed with common protective measures including respiratory protection. 

SigmaEPD - Great air quality in any environment.