Reduce COVID-19 Risk
Transmission of COVID-19 through the air and HVAC systems is likely. Therefore, it’s been recommended that changes to your building operations be made to reduce your exposure. These operations include:
- Making certain your systems are functional and operating normally during the “stay at home” period and having them inspected and treated by a professional before occupants re-enter a building.
- Performing Air Rate Testing and Validation of Air Change Rates to ensure your systems are operating efficiently and in line with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Increasing your Air Change Rates per hour, as this can reduce airborne particles in a room up to 90%. Medical environments should implement 6-12 changes per hour. Non-medical environments may require 2-4 changes per hour, but it is best to consult with a professional about the appropriate amount.
- Conducting Air Tightness and Room Leakage Testing, which allows us to monitor where unfiltered air may be entering your rooms, therefore compromising the intended protection against micro-particles and contamination.
- Ensuring proper Air Filtration and Sanitisation in your building. If your filters are not within acceptable operating ranges, not working properly, damaged or dirty, there is a higher chance that they will not successfully catch airborne particles.
- COVID-19 can remain suspended in the air for up to 16 hours in indoor environments. If air is not properly diluted, it can land on surfaces and stay alive for up to 72 hours. Surface Swab Testing will help determine if the virus is on your building surfaces within 48 hours and will allow professionals to work with you on best next steps for sanitisation.
Maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures to minimise thermal stress on bodies, which can increase irritation and spread of the virus.
Implementing ongoing maintenance of your systems to guarantee optimum performance during this time.
If you notice poor air quality, (i.e. Stagnant or stuffy air, foul smells or thermal discomfort) reach out to a professional who can help resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Companies are taking various steps to make their buildings COVID-19 secure. These include placing barriers between people including screens, adjusting tasks and processes when necessary and even redesigning the workplace. It may be efficient to arrange social distancing training if you feel your workforce require additional advice on staying safe to reduce the risk of Covid-19. You may also consider allowing staff to work from home if possible and limiting the number of people allowed on your site at any time. Using PPE can also help you improve COVID security. However, it's essential that this is worn correctly if it is to be effective.
Some of the steps you can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure include having your systems inspected and treated, performing Air Rate Testing and Validation of Air Change Rates, increasing your Air Change Rates per hour and carrying out Air Tightness and Room Leakage Testing. You also need to ensure efficient Air Filtration and Sanitisation is available in your building.
By taking these steps, you can be COVID-compliant, avoid tough fines and penalties whilst making team members and visitors feel safer. You should also encourage everyone on your premises to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and keep a safe distance from others.
Other steps that you can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 within the workplace include maintaining appropriate workplace temperatures. This can keep thermal stress on the body to a minimum. Thermal stress can cause irritation and allow the virus to spread. Your systems need to be maintained frequently to ensure they continue to perform efficiently. If poor air quality is detected, consult a professional for advice. Signs of poor air quality can include unpleasant smells, thermal discomfort and stagnant air. Once you have received advice from a professional, make sure this is complied with to keep your premises COVID-secure.