Ventilating Schools for Safe Reopening
Posted on Monday Apr 12, 2021 at 10:25AM in IAQ
What can schools do to help reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19? With most schools reopening after some being closed for more than a year, school districts are gathering data on how to open safely. The CDC recommends addressing ventilation as a step toward safe openings.
Ventilation
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible, for example, by opening windows and doors. Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to children using the facility.
I. Increase outdoor air intake.
While the percentage of outdoor air needed to reduce transmission is currently unknown, varying weather conditions will create issues with opening up the fresh air intake to 100%. The better solution would be to increase the amount of air to the space as if it is 100% occupied. This will get necessary ventilation into the space and ensure the HVAC can maintain designed operating conditions.
II. Ensure the correct operation of all ventilation systems and verify every HVAC system can introduce fresh air.
For ventilators that are currently installed, have them inspected by an HVAC professional to determine operation. For systems without ventilators, add economizers or commercial room ventilators. When the HVAC system is not able to be retrofitted with a ventilator, a separate ventilation system will need to be installed.
III. Increase the amount of time the ventilation system runs.
Operate the ventilation systems for a minimum of 1 week prior to building occupancy. Run the ventilation systems for a minimum of 2 hours after buildings are unoccupied to flush the building and ventilate during all occupied hours.
For more information on protecting your school, business, or home, contact the Indoor Air Quality experts at Geary Pacific Supply.
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