In June 2021, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a review of the latest COVID-19 science, data, and guidance. After consulting with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), OSHA issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for employers, working in healthcare and healthcare support services.
However, despite the name ‘COVID-19 Healthcare ETS’, the rule applies to any organization that provides first aid services. This could include schools as well. Whether the business falls into these categories or not, proper ventilation is a key part of fighting the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result, HVAC assessments play a critical role.
The COVID-19 Plan
The emergency temporary standard (ETS) recommends provisions for physical barriers, training, and ventilation. While this guidance affects healthcare facilities and schools, all businesses should take note of it. It is one of the many reasons employers need to develop a COVID-19 plan for the workplace.
A COVID-19 plan should include steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus
A COVID-19 plan should include steps to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This includes maintaining social distancing, creating safer traffic patterns in the building, as well as conducting HVAC assessments.
Screening building occupants
Plans should include screening building occupants and visitors, and allowing employees time off to get vaccinated. Employers must also educate staff on COVID-19 transmission, safety procedures, risks, and review sick leave policies.
Of course, proper ventilation is an essential part of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Therefore, HVAC assessments should be a part of any COVID-19 plan.
HVAC assessments
Pure Air Control Services Inc.’s Building Health Check is an evaluation of mold, allergen and dust. It also logs wall and floor moisture, as well as temperature and humidity levels. The final piece of the evaluation includes an HVAC Hygiene Assessment.
The HVAC assessment measures the impact a building system has on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Proper ventilation dilutes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so outdated systems put building occupants at risk. Likewise, as systems become dirty over time their performance also decreases, which also creates risk.
Visual inspection of the air handling unit (AHU)
An HVAC Hygiene Assessment includes a visual inspection of the air handling unit (AHU)
An HVAC Hygiene Assessment includes a visual inspection of the air handling unit (AHU). This includes looking at the evaporator coils, drain pan, blower, and all corresponding duct work.
Pure Air Control Services’ Building Sciences team tests the samples collected from within the AHU for airflow and energy efficiency. Building pressure analysis, air filtration and building airtightness also receive an evaluation. Their Environmental Diagnostics Library also tests for the presence of bacteria and fungi.
Five pillars of healthy Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The resulting report from the HVAC assessment gives facilities managers the data they need to improve conditions. It’s just one part of the company’s services that address the five pillars of healthy Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
Those pillars include inspecting and testing, cleaning and restoring HVAC systems, reducing particles in the ductwork, destroying pathogens, and using air-cleaning technologies, such as bipolar ionization.
The importance of monitoring IAQ conditions
HVAC assessments are not a one-in-done approach. Improved ventilation creates healthier IAQ to combat the spread of viruses, but monitoring of environmental conditions is needed to prevent a return to unhealthy air conditions.
IAQ Guard monitors environmental conditions, including changes to temperature and relative humidity
This is done through 24/7 monitoring with the IAQ Guard service. IAQ Guard monitors environmental conditions, including changes to temperature and relative humidity, levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), as well as CO2 and other gasses.
Improved ventilation has many benefits
Improved ventilation has many benefits. Their assessments and the resulting remediation efforts create healthier building conditions. Even as Pure Air Control’s services protect building occupants, they have the added benefit of cutting energy costs. This strengthens the bottom line of any business.
Whether in the case of a healthcare service, school, or another private company, protecting the health of building occupants is critical. Pure Air Control Services Inc. can schedule an HVAC assessment for all types of establishments.
Creating healthy buildings
The company helps businesses create healthy buildings. They do this through services that include inspection and testing, cleaning and disinfection, as well as around-the-clock monitoring of environmental conditions.