Preventing HVAC From Spreading Airborne Coronavirus

Good ventilation, filtration and humidity control can be crucial to mitigating the spread in facilities


What can be done to ensure people are getting clean air and minimizing the risk of coronavirus virus transfer a healthcare facility? There are strategies and technologies that can be effective, according to an article from the Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.

Adjust your building controls to increase the amount of outdoor air flowing through your system. ASHRAE and others have suggested a two-hour flush prior to occupants arriving in the morning. The whole concept here is to bring in fresh air, thereby diluting the recirculated and potentially virus-laden, indoor air.  

Augmenting filtration with local air purifiers can be an effective way of ensuring clean air for building occupants, while also providing a visual cue to people to help them know they are being protected. Localized air purifiers (or scrubbers), typically allow for more air exchanges, closer to occupants. 

Finally, relative humidity should be maintained between forty to sixty percent to minimize the environments where these pathogens thrive. 

Read the full article.

 

 



August 20, 2020


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Wildfire Air Quality Events

Wildfire smoke puts pressure on mechanical systems already working hard to maintain controlled indoor environments.


UW Health Set to Open Expansion at East Madison Hospital

The $140 million project adds 120,000 square feet to the hospital, expanding its footprint to roughly 620,000 square feet.


Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians Falls Victim to Cyberattack

While the full extent of the incident is still under review, our initial investigation discovered that there are approximately 1.4 million individuals impacted.


The Role of Biophilic Design in Healthcare Facilities

Nature-inspired design can support staff well-being and create more welcoming, human-centered healthcare environments.


TriStar Centennial Medical Center Invests $90M in Women, Children's Hospital Expansions

The multi-year project will bring significant improvements to both hospitals.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.