With lockdown measures further easing across England – including allowing people back inside restaurants and pubs – the British Medical Association (BMA) has raised concerns that many premises may not be sufficiently ventilated to prevent airborne transmission of Covid-19.
Calling for the Government to issue ‘explicit specifications’ on ventilation requirements for pubs, bars and restaurants, workplaces, and other public settings as they welcome the public back indoors, the BMA said the correct management of airflow in buildings is now ‘crucial’ to protect against a new wave of infections.
What are the concerns over the airflow in buildings?
Many buildings over the past decade have become almost entirely reliant on air conditioning systems which bring little or no fresh air in from the outside as they simply recirculate the air within the premises themselves.
While this is an issue which can perhaps be overcome during the summer months by opening windows aplenty, in the longer term, when winter returns, it is a less realistic option given nobody wants to sit at their work desk or at a restaurant table in their winter coat.
Recirculation of air
Recirculation of air within a single room by an outside air supply is fine as it helps provide more outside air to occupants The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) says the recirculation of air within a single room, where complemented by an outside air supply, is acceptable as it helps provide more outside air to occupants and can help to maintain thermal comfort.
However, it says the recirculation and transfer of air from one room to another should be avoided unless it is the only way of providing a sufficient rate to all occupied rooms.
Key actions for owners of premises
- Understand the ventilation systems and how they work with regards to fresh air supply
- Understand where poorly ventilated spaces or areas may be
- Increase the ventilation rate as much as reasonably possible
British Medical Association (BMA) warnings
The law already says employers must make sure there is an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace. The likelihood now is that the Government will take heed of the BMA warnings and ultimately impose new specifications on ventilation.
For those found not to be meeting requirements that could mean having to send staff back home having reintegrated them back into office life, or having to reduce the numbers of people allowed in their restaurant or pub.
How can One check if The premises are a potential risk?
It is important to check that any mechanical systems provide outdoor air, temperature control, or both There are a few simple checks you can do to investigate whether the premises are not getting enough fresh air inside. Firstly, if you have areas where people work or congregate and there is no mechanical ventilation or natural ventilation such as open windows, doors, or vents, it could be a risk.
It is important to check that any mechanical systems provide outdoor air, temperature control, or both. If the system only recirculates air and has no outdoor air supply, the area is likely to be poorly ventilated. If an area of the premises often feels stuffy or smells, that could be another indicator of poor ventilation.
How to improve interior ventilation?
There are 3 main ways you can maximize the fresh air in an indoor space.
- Natural ventilation relies on passive airflow - windows, doors, and air vents that can be fully or partially opened.
- Mechanical ventilation - using fans and ducts to bring in fresh air from outside.
- A combination of both – using natural and mechanical ventilation to optimize fresh air intake.
Have a premises airflow assessment from Dixon Group
The reality is that many owners of premises may now need to modify their systems to ensure sufficient levels of air from the outside is entering the building, reducing the airborne transmission of bacteria, and at Dixon Group, we can help with this task now.
The specialist Facilities Management team at Dixon Group Ltd is highly experienced in the installation and maintenance of Air-Conditioning & Ventilation (HVAC) systems and is currently providing assessments of airflows within buildings to check the amount of fresh air within premises is sufficient.