Refer to section 6.8.2 exception for cases where Energy Recovery can be applied. 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code, ASHRAE Standards 55 & 62.1, and ASHRAE COVID -19 Guidelines . INTRODUCTION . Heaters or higher discharge temps. This page is updated as new information becomes available. United States CDC Guidance for K-12 School Administrators on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings in Schools and Additional Considerations Table. ATLANTA (May 7, 2020) – The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on mitigating potential health risks during reopening of buildings closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It should be clearly stated and understood that adherence to this guidance does not eliminate the potential for airborne transmission of the virus and should not serve as a replacement for other steps such as social distancing, use of masks or other face coverings, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, etc. Check variable frequency drive for proper operation. Determine the initial and final pressure drop for the filters in the original system design. Posted by mreynau on Apr. Verify control dampers operate properly. Daily flush prior to occupancy: Mechanical Systems should be operated in occupied mode (including normal or peak outside air rate introduced to each space) for minimum period of 2 hours prior to occupants re-entering building. Perform initial air flush of all spaces prior to occupants re-entering building: Mechanical systems should operate in occupied mode for minimum period of one week prior to students returning (may be completed at same time as teachers start returning to building) while assuring the outside air dampers are open. Develop standards for frequency of filter replacement and type of filters to be utilized. Chilled Water, Hot Water and Condenser Water Systems: Monthly. As of April 15, 2020, the following statement from the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force was posted on their website: On the recommendation of the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, ASHRAE leadership has approved the following two statements regarding transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the operation of HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic: Filters range in size but the typical depths of filters are 1", 2", 4" and 12-15". If filter rack is damaged then repair rack. Retain in-house facility workers: clean, disinfect, maintain building systems; assess asbestos and lead paint status; pest-proof inside and out; check water and ventilation filters; assess water damage, fix leaks. 1 Summer Checklist for Fall Start of Classes. ASHRAE® Recommendations for COVID-19 This Engineers Newsletter provides an overview of current guidance from ASHRAE for operating non-healthcare building HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Human disease preparedness and response is WHO’s role, so diseases are officially named by WHO in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Disable Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) systems using Carbon Dioxide (CO2) sensors where feasible: Either disable control sequence or adjust setpoints to be at or near ambient outdoor CO2 levels (typically between 400 and 500 ppm). Domestic water systems shall be prepared for use: Systems should be flushed to remove potential contaminants from stagnant equipment, piping, fixtures, etc. During the Pandemic, disable any Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) and introduce the maximum possible OA flow 24/7 until further notice (including DOAS). Protecting the health, safety and welfare of the world’s students from the spread of SARS-Cov-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) is essential to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the entire population. As a result, ASHRAE’s recommendation, as well as the recommendation of the CDC, highlights the use of high‐efficiency filters. Filters (disinfected or not) can be bagged and disposed of in regular trash, or applicable local health and safety standards. A first step would be to assess pathogen types and levels in schools. Select guidance that is likely applicable for educational facilities includes: These recommendations and strategies are organized in order from simple first steps, more involved next steps and then more long-term improvements. All restrooms should be thoroughly cleaned. COVID-19 SCHOOL BUILDING HVAC CHECKLIST 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code, ASHRAE Standards 55 & 62.1, and ASHRAE COVID -19 Guidelines . If necessary, vent air from system high points and Verify backflow preventers and pressure regulating valves on makeup water lines are functioning properly. Electric heat elements must have sufficient airflow to operate. This name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. ALL DISTRICT PERSONNEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENCE OF HVAC SYSTEMS IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS SHOULD READ AND ... Organization This resource provides considerations for decision-makers and educators on how or when to reopen or close schools in the context of COVID-19. Consider completing preventative and deferred maintenance projects not directly related to pandemic, but potentially improving facility IEQ. Consider installing Humidifiers in AHUs and Packaged rooftop units if feasible. Reopening Schools Safely and Equitably Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: School Facilities are Frontline Defense in Reducing Risk Jeff Vincent, Center for Cities + Schools, UC Berkeley As the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, rapidly spread across the globe in Spring 2020, one of the most widely implemented risk reduction measures utilized was to physically close all school buildings. Ventilation Guidance for Schools: COVID-19. These documents provide guidance for K-12 facilities in the use of cloth face coverings. For existing units, an increase in filtration efficiency may reduce airflow capacity. Check for proper evaporator and condenser fluid flow and for fluid leaks. ASHRAE said in April that, ... President-elect Joe Biden proposed new aid for schools as part of a broader COVID-19 relief plan, which will require congressional approval. Operate all HVAC in occupied mode following minimum periods prior to resuming full occupancy: Any time staff or others are in the building. He served on ASHRAE’s Board of Directors for 11 years, and has chaired the Publishing and Education Council and numerous ASHRAE committees. Check for proper condenser water flow and for leaks. Verify control valves operate properly. Gloucester County Schools in Virginia completed a similar undertaking in all of its buildings in December. Verify control valves operate properly. Determine if the equipment served from a Variable Frequency Drive. As yet another COVID-19 mitigation strategy, several Lehigh Valley school districts have purchased what the CDC still considers an "emerging technology" to purify their air: bipolar ionization units. Verify water treatment target levels are being maintained. Given the small size of the systems serving the Nurse Station in Isolation Mode, it is suggested considering Constant Volume, hard balanced air system. If MERV 13 is not in place, change filters to MERV 13. All retrofits and modifications must not contradict ASHRAE 62.1 guidelines and must continue to meet or exceed applicable codes and standards. Information on these pages is provided as a service to the public. Check for evidence of leaks on gas heat section heat-exchanger surfaces. Overall effectiveness of reducing particle concentrations depends on several factors: Location of the filter in the HVAC system or room air cleaner. As schools and offices open up, here’s what building managers should do to reduce SARS-CoV-2 particles in the air we breathe Improving indoor air quality to prevent COVID-19 Skip to main content Please support ASHRAE’s continuing work to combat the transmission of COVID-19 Donate Now. ASHRAE Resources American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Resource Hub This resource hub is a one-stop resource for all of ASHRAE's guidance on reopening, buildings, filtration … Check for particulate accumulation on filters, replace filter as needed. This guidance has been formulated to help designers and facility managers to retrofit and plan for the improvement of indoor air quality and to slow the transmission of virus via the HVAC systems. Review condition of cooling coils in air handling equipment – if issues with condensate drainage are identified or biological growth is identified, corrective action should be taken to clean or repair. Schools can take HVAC survey, qualify for help to reduce harmful aerosol transmissions Jan 13, 2021 Jan 13, 2021 ... MI ASHRAE Chapters’ COVID-19 Task Force chair, at sonya.pouncy@gmail.com. If the project is a LEED or CHPS project then the filters should already be designed for MERV 13. Cooling Towers and Evaporative-Cooled Devices Monthly. Ver. MERV ranges from 1 to 16; higher MERV = higher efficiency, MERV ≥13 (or ISO equivalent) are efficient at capturing airborne viruses. Consider air treatment technology to kill/disable airborne infectious aerosols (refer to. Follow up on temperature control, humidity control or elevated carbon dioxide concentration issues observed to address cause(s). Based on their research and expertise, ASHRAE has steadily updated guidelines for building procedures. Increase the filtration in the unit to the maximum available, Provide a recirculation fan filtration unit and duct into the return of units, Provide a HEPA filtration unit which re-circulates air within the space, Consider additional treatment technology to kill/disable airborne infectious aerosols (refer to, Consider alternate filter locations in return duct or grille but consider static pressure drop implications and relationship with outside air dampers, Install a pressure gauge on units to assist in determining filter change frequency, Document motor amperages before and after filter changes, alarm points in BAS may need to be updated, Filter change frequency may increase due to seasonal and atmospheric considerations at different sites (such as Pollen Season), There will be an increase in fan energy used to overcome additional pressure drop from filters, With an increase pressure drop for filtration there will be less airflow to heat and cool the spaces during peak design days. COVID-19 pandemic and possible future epidemics related to the effects of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems on disease transmission • Guidance developed for several building types and operational conditions, including for schools, commercial, residential, and health care • Comprised of 26 members led by Dr. William Bahnfleth Check variable-frequency drive for proper operation. 2 Startup Checklist for HVAC Systems Prior to Occupancy. Additional supplementary heaters or cooling devices may be required. The presentation focuses on filtration basics for a facility manager, an information gathering phase, a data analytics and review phase and lastly a series of implementation and considerations an educational facility manager may address. Follow 2019 ASHRAE- Applications Handbook, chapter 8, table 7 for minimum Filtration Efficiency, Apply the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filter for the HVAC units (local, central and DOAS) given limitations with increase pressure drop. Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment Today, Officers, Directors, Councils, Committees, Staff, Science and Technology for the Built Environment, Instructor-Led Training Seminar and Short Courses, Self-Directed Learning / Group Learning Texts, 2021 Virtual Design and Construction Conference, 2021 ASHRAE Building Performance Analysis Conference, IAQ 2020: Indoor Environmental Quality Performance Approaches, Criteria for Annual Conference City Selection, Winter, Annual, & Virtual Conference Sponsorship Opportunities, Determining Building Readiness and Operations for Existing Facilities to Reoccupy After Shut-Down due to Pandemic, Checklist No. Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is to be performed for new construction and renovations of nurse facilities. The designer needs to work closely with the local school system to work in conjunctions with new operational protocols and school operations. Independent industrial hygienists tested every school’s indoor air quality to ensure it meets the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’s (ASHRAE) COVID-19 guidelines for school buildings (Standard 55 and 62.1) The indoor air quality report looked at the following for values: Adjust building air flows to prevent negative pressure differential. Your chance to help prepare K-12 Schools for Reopening. Perform chemical testing of system water. PE rooms with respective to adjacent rooms should be under positive pressure. Some filters have a static electrical charge applied to the media to increase particle removal. Check piping for leaks. If retrofits are not possible recommend temporary nurse's station trailers. Check and fix economizer dampers and controls and maximize the economizer operation when possible (favorable outdoor conditions and outdoor air pollution). Check and clean fan blades and fan housing. Treat as Isolation rooms – 1 bed per building – follow. WHO announced “COVID-19” as the name of this new disease on February 11, 2020, following guidelines previously developed with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Verify proper operation of safety devices per manufacturer's recommendations. If a person has COVID-19, a respiratory droplet can carry the infectious virus, even if they have no symptoms. Confirm AHU is bringing in outdoor air and removing exhaust air as intended. Fan airflow is reduced with increase in filter restriction. Isolation Mode (Dedicated 100 % OA systems), Cooling, Heating, Humidification, Dehumidification, Ventilation – run 2 hours before and after occupancy, Exhaust fans - run when ventilation is on, Cooling, Heating, Ventilation - per normal school schedule(occupied/unoccupied or optimal start program), Exhaust fans - per normal school schedule (occupied/unoccupied), might be OFF during unoccupied hours. 10-23-2020 2 . The fraction of particles removed from air passing through a filter is termed "filter efficiency" and is provided by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) under standard conditions. At this stage, it is not possible to determine precisely how humans in China were initially infected with SARS-CoV-2 and thereby developed the disease COVID-19. Check refrigerant system for leaks. Could increase noise in space and have a negative impact to the acoustics of the space. For new installations, designer should designate a "Purge/Flush" mode for operations to minimize the virus transmission via HVAC systems. As communities in the United States consider how to safely re-open K-12 school buildings for in-person learning and activities and keep them open, CDC offers updated considerations for mitigation strategies that school administrators can use to help protect students, teachers, and staff and slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Numerous and various locations in classrooms, washrooms, gyms, and school libraries need to be sampled to determine which microbes inhabit our schools and where and at what contamination levels. Schools can take HVAC survey, qualify for help to reduce harmful aerosol transmissions Jan 13, 2021 Jan 13, 2021 ... MI ASHRAE Chapters’ COVID-19 Task Force chair, at sonya.pouncy@gmail.com. Systems incorporating diversity into sizing may require DCV to maintain ventilation to occupied spaces – consideration should be given to system capabilities and outdoor air flow rates should be maximized. 24 hours if systems have operated during closure period. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recovery Period (Updated Dec. 14, 2020) The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) issued updated guidance on Dec. 14, 2020 for District of Columbia public elementary and secondary schools, including public charter schools, Adjust the Variable Frequency Drives to address increase in static pressure for filters. Determine the effect of additional external static pressure on the fan. NYSERDA announces first-of-its-kind partnership with ASHRAE to build back better and mitigate spread of COVID while combating climate change Submitted Wed, Jul 8th 2020 05:45 pm Code Advisory Committee Call for Application. Develop protocol to handle quarantine of other individuals who may have been exposed, wash/sanitize belongings and impacted spaces, look at potential for spread to adjacent spaces or other building areas through mechanical systems or other means. SARS-CoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Check P-trap. Diseases are named to enable discussion on disease prevention, spread, transmissibility, severity and treatment. All retrofits and modifications must not contradict ASHRAE 62.1 guidelines  and must continue to meet code. Check, fix and modify control sequences in VAV systems to avoid outdoor air flow /minimum OA air flow shortage. The first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. During the summer period before occupancy perform Checklist No. Check the control system and devices for evidence of improper operation. For systems with Steam Boilers, develop a schedule that provides minimum supervision on-site. Verify control dampers operate properly. Compensate for loss of capacity in summer with lower discharge temps off of AHU – recommend 52 F (this is mainly for VAV units where supply air temperature is controlled and due to additional pressure drop associated with higher efficiency filters). Determine if a 1" rack can be refitted with a larger rack. Maintain pressure relationship for room, ante room and corridor. This guidance should be applied to each unique climate zone, unique school building and HVAC system. Schools and communities must make challenging decisions to support student learning and community wellbeing. Does ASHRAE’s guidance agree with guidance from WHO and CDC? include Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems (these can include energy recovery wheels, plate-type heat exchangers, heat pipes, run around loops, etc. Review seal installation procedures with maintenance and operations staff. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established ventilation standards for different types of school spaces (ASHRAE 62.1 2019 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality Standards). HVAC Recommendations from ASHRAE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESPONSE RESOURCES FROM ASHRAE. Check for proper damper operation. Up to one week prior to occupancy if systems have been shut down to bring temperature and humidity under control prior to occupancy. 14. Read ASHRAE guidance. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed proactive guidance to help address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. Address or clear existing alarms from Building Automation Systems/Building Management Systems to allow for recognition of new alarms that may impact building indoor air quality and consider alarm hierarchy. For fans with belt drives, inspect belts and adjust as necessary. Verify control valves operate properly. With more than 50,000 members from over 132 nations, ASHRAE is a diverse organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Considerations for schools. EXIT. The focus of this guidance is to mitigate the potential for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through HVAC systems and to reduce concentrations of infectious aerosols present in occupied spaces to the extent possible. Similar to the filtration level used in hospitals. Johns Hopkins University eSchool+ Initiative – Analysis of Reopening Plans. Verify water treatment target levels are being maintained. Notify appropriate individuals (either parents or students) about possible contact. Background for recommendations associated with masks or face coverings and recommendations for use under different circumstances. and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guidance for Building Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and ASHRAE guidelines for schools and universities, which includes further information on ventilation recommendations for different types of buildings. Once completed, the list will provide a … Check conductivity and other sensors for proper readings. Golden Gate ASHRAE - COVID-19 Fundraising Efforts. Develop policies for staff and contractor PPE requirements for completing work at facilities that follow local authority. Verify coil velocities and coil and unit discharge air temperatures required to maintain desired indoor conditions and to avoid moisture carry over from cooling coils. Review outdoor airflow rates compared to the most current version of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 or current state-adopted code requirements. ASHRAE Offers COVID-19 Building Readiness/Reopening Guidance. Hydronic /Electric radiators / baseboard should remain operational. Professionals who operate school, office, and commercial buildings should consult the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance for information on ventilation and filtration to help reduce risks from the virus that causes COVID-19. In October, Tulare City School District in California announced it would spend more than $400,000 to install needlepoint bipolar ionization technology into the ventilation systems of its 15 schools. This guidance has been formulated to help designers retrofit and plan for the improvement of indoor air quality and to slow the transmission of viruses via the HVAC systems. For Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) that are being replaced, size unit with the following in mind: Consider increasing capacities beyond code minimum for ventilation. There is broad variation of complexity, flexibility, and age in HVAC equipment, systems, controls and Building Automation Systems (BAS) in educational facilities. ASHRAE’s position is that “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through the air is sufficiently likely that airborne exposure to the virus should be controlled. Learn how to employ DSA services and find other resources that prepare public schools for re-opening. Be aware of fan surge under increased static pressure and low flow rate. Verify water treatment target levels are being maintained. No energy recovery for airborne infectious isolation rooms. For systems using fuel oil: Check fuel pump for proper operation. Check compressor oil level and/or pressure on refrigerant systems having oil level and/or pressure measurement means. General inspection of spaces to identify any potential concerns for water leaks or mold growth that could negatively impact occupant health. For "Isolation mode" design Dedicated HVAC system. United States CDC Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting. 1: Checklist for Unoccupied Buildings | Checklist No. ASHRAE Reopening Guide for Schools and Universities On July 22, 2020, the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force released its updated Reopening Guide for Schools and Universities related to COVID-19. ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2017 -- Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), Target Level for Filtration for Schools is MERV 13 or higher. Guidance from cognizant authorities should be followed to the extent possible. Recommend locations of nurse's office HVAC on an exterior wall. Review air distribution conditions of existing spaces (look for covered diffusers, blocked return grilles, overly closed supply diffusers/registers and return/exhaust grilles creating short cycling, possible measurements of airflows by commissioning or balancing professionals, possible review of overall system configuration by design professional, etc.) Verify proper separation between outdoor air intakes and exhaust discharge outlets to prevent/limit re-entrainment of potentially contaminated exhaust air (generally minimum of 10-foot separation - comply with local code requirements). Measure/Trend all information possible, including temperature (dry bulb), relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, zone population, etc. Determine the current size, depth and quantity of filters in equipment. Return to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19). All areas that have been occupied after previous cleaning efforts should be re-cleaned. 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