Covid-19 is a threat that can affect the health of staff, economic growth and possibly business survival within an organization. Also, some cities in Ontario have decided to publish names of business with COVID-19 outbreaks.
The improvement in indoor air quality within a facility is an important factor to reduce the risk of airborne viruses such as Covid-19.
How to Reduce the Risk of Covid-19 within a Facility by Improving Indoor Air Quality?
Increase the Air Changes Per Hour: Increasing the air volume through air balancing.
Increase the Ventilation Rate in the Building: Configuring the outside air dampers to maintain a minimum ventilation rate.
Correctly Install MERV 13 Filters: For the purpose of removing exhaled airborne droplets, upgrading to MERV 13 will improve the efficiency for capturing 1µm to 3 µm air particles to 85%.
Humidification Control: Relative humidity (RH) levels between 40% to 60% reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. In many buildings, managing humidity can be challenging because the risk of moisture problems. The building envelope and the ventilation rate will determine the minimum relative humidity level for the coldest winter period.
Install UV-C Light: Research shows that UV-C light is 99.9% effective in destroying viruses and bacteria within two seconds of exposure. Air exposed to UV-C light is breathable and safe for ventilation. This type of equipment can be installed in the existing air distribution system at an affordable cost.
Arvin Air Systems is assisting building owners and their staff during this pandemic to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmissions.
Neil Smith P. Eng.
