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New! Core Recommendations for Reducing Airborne Infectious Aerosol Exposure
January 6, 2021

ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Laboratory Subcommittee Guidance Document
November 12, 2020

One Page Guidance for Re-Opening Buildings
October 5, 2020

One Page Guidance for Residential Buildings
October 5, 2020

Guidance for Polling Place HVAC Systems
August 19, 2020
em Português

One Page Guidance for Reopening Schools
August 20, 2020
En Español

Environmental Health Emerging Issue Brief
Pandemic COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission

Does ASHRAE’s guidance agree with guidance from WHO and CDC?
May 28, 2020

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), February 2020
Coronavirus Situation Summary

Guidance from World Health Organization (WHO):
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
March 23, 2020 | ASHRAE Letter to WHO

Guidance from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Guidance from Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH):
COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Messages from ASHRAE

ASHRAE All Member Email Update
March 13, 2020 | ASHRAE All Member Email Update

ASHRAE Press Releases:
January 14, 2021 | ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Releases Core Recommendations for Reducing Airborne Infectious Aerosol Exposure and Communities of Faith Building Guidance
November 20, 2020 | New Alternative Care Site Guidebook Available to Help Respond to the Rising Need for Hospital Beds due to COVID-19
August 20, 2020 | Making Polling Places Safer
August 18, 2020 | ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Releases Updated Building Readiness Guide
July 22, 2020 | ASHRAE Introduces Updated Reopening Guide Schools and Universities
May 7, 2020 | ASHRAE Offers COVID-19 Building Readiness/Reopening Guidance
April 20, 2020 | ASHRAE Issues Statements on Relationship Between COVID-19 and HVAC in Buildings
April 20, 2020 | En Espanol
March 31, 2020 | ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Established
February 27, 2020 | ASHRAE Resources Available to Address COVID-19 Concerns

ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force in the Media

Journal of Property Management | January 2021
Come on back, the air is fine!
Wade Conlan

Forbes.com | January 5, 2021
Five Thought Leaders Share Wellness Design-Inspired New Year’s Resolutions
Max Sherman

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

Building Readiness | Schools and Universities | Energy Recovery | Guidance from Others

Building Readiness                                                   REV 10/20/2020

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Building Readiness (PDF)

General Information

• Building Readiness Intent
• Building Readiness Team
• Building Readiness Plan

Epidemic Conditions in Place (ECiP)

• Systems Evaluation
• Building Automation Systems (BAS)
• Increased Ventilation
• Increased Ventilation Control
• Building and Space Pressure
• Pre- or Post-Occupancy Flushing Strategy
• Upgrading and Improving Filtration
• Energy Savings Considerations
• Exhaust Air Re-entrainment
• Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems Operation Considerations
• UVGI Systems
• Domestic Water & Plumbing Systems
• Maintenance Checks
• Shutdown a Building Temporarily-FAQ
• Systems Manual
• Re-opening During Epidemic Conditions in Place

Post-Epidemic Conditions in Place (P-ECiP)

• Post-Epidemic Conditions in Place (P-ECIP)
• P-ECiP: Prior to Occupying
• P-ECiP: Operational Considerations once Occupied
• P-ECiP: Ventilation
• P-ECiP: Filtration
• P-ECiP: Building Maintenance Program Checks
• P-ECiP: Systems Manual

Schools and Universities | Return to Top                                                  REV 10/7/2020

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REOPENING SCHOOLS (PDF)

Introduction

• Introduction

Background and General Recommendations

• Background and General Recommendations

General Operations References

• General Operations References

Determining Building Readiness

• Determining Building Readiness
• Checklist for Unoccupied Buildings
• Startup Checklist for HVAC Systems Prior to Occupancy

Equipment & System Specific Checks

• Equipment & System Specific Checks & Verifications During Academic Year
• Cleaning & Air Flush
• Boilers
• Chilled, Hot & Condenser Water Systems
• Air Cooled Chillers
• Water Cooled Chillers
• Cooling Towers & Evaporative-Cooled Devices
• Steam Distribution Systems
• HVAC Water Distribution Systems
• Pumps
• Air Handling Units
• Roof Top Units
• Unitary & Single Zone Equipment

New/Modified Facility Design Recommendations

• New/Modified Facility Design Recommendations
• Introduction
• Designer Guidelines – General School
• Nurses Office – General Requirements

Filtration

• Filtration Upgrades
• Introduction
• Filtration Basics
• Filtration Target Level
• Information Gathering Stage
• Data Analysis & Review
• Implementation & Considerations

• Operation of Occupied Facilities
• Controlling Infection Outbreak in School Facilities

• Higher Education Facilities
• Student Health Facilities
• Laboratories
• Athletic Facilities
• Residence Facilities
• Large Assembly

Energy Recovery                                                   NEW 06/11/2020

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Energy Recovery (PDF)

The Practical Guidance for Epidemic Operation of Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems was created by TC 5.5 Air-to-Air Energy Recovery along with the Building Readiness Team to provide practical guidance on evaluating the energy recovery devices design, construction, and site analysis. This analysis is meant to be able to identify potential issues with ERVs, such as being considered leaky, so that they can be evaluated for operation during an epidemic.

This document includes guidance on the following items:

• Evaluation and on-site inspection of ERV systems in operational buildings
• ERV exchanger on-site inspections; all types, wheel specifics, and plate types
• Remediation of systems with ERV exchangers
• Re-commissioning ERV systems after an extended building shut-down
• Terminology

This also includes appendices that cover the following:

• Estimating total return air recirculation in operational HVAC systems with ERVs
• Dilution principle in outdoor air ventilation
• Exhaust Re-Entrainment Guide

The Exhaust Re-entrainment Guide was created by the Building Readiness Team to identify the concerns and potential methods to evaluate your systems for exhaust re-entrainment. This applies to units with and without ERVs but includes multiple methods to evaluate your systems.

Guidance from Others                                                   REV 06/02/2020

Links to helpful documents from other organizations:
Guidance from Others

Healthcare | Residential | Residential Healthcare | Multifamily | Commercial | Communities of Faith |
 Schools and Universities | Laboratory

Healthcare                                                  REV 12/07/2020

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HEALTHCARE (PDF)

This ASHRAE/ASHE guidance document is based on best available evidence and knowledge as of the date of this document. In the context of the rapidly evolving state of knowledge regarding transmission of COVID-19, design professionals may consider interventions that adopt a precautionary principle, taking reasonable actions that reduce risk while awaiting greater scientific certainty. Therefore, this guidance should be read in conjunction with the relevant government guidance and available research.  This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified professional.  By adopting these recommendations for use, each adopter agrees to accept full responsibility for any personal injury, death, loss, damage or delay arising out of or in connection with their use by or on behalf of such adopter irrespective of the cause or reason therefore and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless ASHRAE and ASHE, the authors and others involved in their publication from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with such use as aforesaid and irrespective of any negligence on the part of those indemnified.

USACE | ASHRAE
Alternate Care Site HVAC Guidebook

Background Context | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Modes of Transmission/Aerobiology
• ASHRAE Statements on Airborne Transmission
• CDC recommends Airborne Infection Isolation rooms for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs)
• Secondary Infection Susceptibility
• Committing Airborne Infection Isolation rooms for use as inpatient rooms limits future flexibility. Work with clinical staff to establish use requirements.
• Cohorting – Cautions and current methods
• ASHRAE members have provided input on Disaster Planning and Emergency Management for Healthcare Facilities. Partner on your local professional engineering partners for input and guidance during this time.

Goals | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Do No Harm
• Protect Healthcare Workers, Family, and Visitors
• Protect Other Patients
• Empower people to make and carry out the best decision they can. 
• Work as a team – weigh competing concerns, define key areas, share the plan.
• Consider the type of HVAC system, the configuration, clinical needs, facility infrastructure capacity, and limited resources available.

Life Safety | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Confirm that power-consuming equipment is connected to the appropriate branch of the essential power system.
• Maintain Egress
• Consider defend-in-place plans and smoke compartments
• Increased facility oxygen use elevates risk of a fire spreading more rapidly
• First responder protection.
• Develop Interim Life Safety Measures as applicable

Suggested Approaches | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Passive Isolation
• Strategically utilize AII Rooms
• Airflow from Clean to Less Clean
• Increase Filtration Level if possible
• Guidance on Recirculation and Increased Outside Air Fraction
• Maintain relative humidity at 40-60%
• Deactivate or by-pass heat recovery wheels
• Improve/Consider Room Airflow Direction/Patterns
• Utilize portable ante rooms/vestibules with HEPA filtration
• Utilize UV light (see Facilities/Maintenance – Disinfection)
• Areas for non-Covid patients should still be treated with care because someone could be unknowingly infected.

Specific "How-to" and Unique Areas | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Layered approach for normal and small surge operations
• Source Control Options for patient beds
• Operating on COVID-19 positive patient
• Variable Air Volume Adjustments & Modification to economizer or reduced recirc.
• Cautions on Recirculating Room Units (Fan coils, induction units, etc.)
• 2-person patient rooms – creating or managing existing
• Use Operating rooms for inpatient rooms/temp ICU
• Emergency Department
• Warning on Older ICU units
• Transmission through the air in toilet rooms
• Provide areas for safely doffing PPE, such as shoe cover removal followed by "tacky matts" for personnel exiting an area.
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Surge Areas | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Initial Considerations
• Alternate Care Site Design Concepts
• Single patient room considerations vs. 2-patient rooms
• General Parameters for ACH, Temp, Filtration, and RH

Facilities/Maintenance | Return to Top of Healthcare

• PPE basics
• Filter changing
• Room turnover
• Verify performance of critical HVAC systems – airborne infection isolation rooms, Emergency Departments, etc.
• Disinfection: Normal, UV, VHP, Hypochlorous Acid
• See ASHRAE COVID-19 Filtration and Disinfection section for greater detail.
• Considering the possibility of being short-staffed in the future, run-test and re-fuel emergency generator system.
• Coordinate any planned rescheduling or postponement of Inspection, Testing, Maintenance (ITM) with local or state AHJ. Submit waivers as required.
• Submit waivers as required to CMS for inspection, testing, and maintenance under Section 1135. ASHE Template.
• Check to be sure COVID-19 area AHU return air isn't being used to condition mechanical rooms.
• Waterborne Pathogen Prevention

Medical Gas/Vacuum Systems | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Demand for gasses in ICU rooms
• Demand for gasses in med-surg rooms and ORs
• Accommodating increased demand (flow) in fixed piping systems
• Impact of demand/consumption on existing gas systems
• Consider providing supplementary gas sources

Other | Return to Top of Healthcare

• Utilize make up air units or exhaust fans from other facilities (restaurants) that are currently shut down.
• Reduce # of rooms utilized off a single HVAC system to free up AHU capacity to achieve performance goals. 25 beds with desired airflow/temps better than 30 beds with airflow/temp deficiencies.
• Document the Action Plan and Alternations in Place
• Disclaimer

Residential | Return to Top                                                  

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RESIDENTIAL (PDF)

General Guidance | Return to Top of Residential Section

• Introduction
• General Guidance applicable to all homes

Additional Guidance | Return to Top of Residential Section

• Additional guidance for homes with forced-air systems
• Additional guidance for multi-family homes
• Additional guidance for creating an isolation space
• Additional guidance for creating a protected space

Residential Healthcare | Return to Top                                                  REV 11/17/2020

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RESIDENTIAL HEALTHCARE (PDF)

Facilities of Concern | Return to Top of Residential Care

• Long Term Care / Extended Care
• Nursing Homes
• Hospice
• Assisted Living
• Memory Care
• Post-Acute

Background / Context | Return to Top of Residential Care

• Modes of Transmission/ Aerobiology
• ASHRAE Statements on Airborn Transmission
• CDC recommends Airborne Infection Isolation rooms for aerosol generating procedures (AGPs)
• Secondary Infection Susceptibility
• ASHRAE members have provided input on Disaster Planning and Emergency Management for Healthcare Facilities
• Partner on your local professional engineering partners for input and guidance during this time

Surface Cleaning and Disinfection | Return to Top of Residential Care

• Materials and Surfaces
• Cleaning
• UVGI
• Hydrogen Peroxide

HVAC Solutions | Return to Top of Residential Care

• Filtration
• UVGI
• Photocatalytic Oxidation
• Bipolar Ionization
• Positive vs Negative Pressure
• COVID Resident or Patient Room
• PTAC / Room Recirculation Units
• 2-Person Resident or Patient Room
• Source Control Options
• Air Device Placement
• Toilet Rooms
• Humidification

Facility Maintenance | Return to Top of Residential Care

• PPE
• System Maintenance/Filter Replacement
• Air Change Rates

Future Facility Considerations | Return to Top of Residential Care

• HVAC
• Architecture

Acknowledgments | Return to Top of Residential Care

• Residential Health Team Members
• Healthcare Team Members

Guidance for Multifamily Building Owners/Managers                                         REV 07/24/2020

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MULTIFAMILY (PDF)

Introduction

This guidance focuses on HVAC system operation and maintenance, related ventilation, and air flow. Other aspects of building operations such as appropriate PPE to protect workers or cleaning procedures are covered in the guidance documents of OSHA, CDC, HUD and other agencies.

Depending on the demographic characteristics of a building’s occupants, stay-at-home orders and related changes can significantly increase the occupant density during the day. Generally speaking, increased density can increase the potential for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Try to implement Immediate Actions as soon as possible to reduce potential transmission.

For information for occupants of multifamily buildings see the main residential section.

Commercial | Return to Top                                                  

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COMMERCIAL (PDF)                                            REV 08/17/2020

• Resources and Links
• General Recommendations
• Example of an Office Outbreak
• Office Guidelines
• Building Readiness
• Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response Plan
• Review Indoor and Outdoor Environment
• Review Spaces Inside the Building
• HVAC Systems
• Pressure Control
• Building Automation and Control System

Communities of Faith | Return to Top                                                  

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COMMUNITIES OF FAITH (PDF)                    REV 12/15/2020

• Introduction
• General Recommendations
• Building Readiness
• COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Systems
• General
• Overview of System Types and Strategies
• No space conditioning and no mechanical ventilation
• No Central Air
• Unit ventilators
• Other heating/cooling systems
• Central Air System
• No mechanical ventilation
• Mechanical ventilation

Schools and Universities | Return to Top

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SCHOOLS (PDF)                                                  REV 07/15/2020

Information on SARS-CoV-2

• Definition
• Why Do Viruses and Diseases Have Different Names?
• COVID-19
• Where Did SARS-CoV-2 Come From?

Reopening Schools and Universities Guidance

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REOPENING SCHOOLS (PDF)                                                  REV 10/07/2020

• View Guidance

Laboratory                                       REV 11/12/2020

• ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Laboratory Subcommittee Guidance Document    

Filtration / Disinfection

Filtration / Disinfection                                                  REV 10/20/2020

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FILTRATION (PDF)

Background / Context

• Modes of Transmission
• ASHRAE Statements on Airborne Transmission
• Scientific Data & Literature

Facilities / Maintenance

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Basics
• HVAC System Maintenance and Filter Replacement
• Special Precautions

Air Filtration

• Mechanical Air Filters (MERV)
• High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
• Electronic Air Filters (CADR)
• Gas-Phase Air Cleaners
• In-Room or Portable Air Cleaners

Air Disinfection

• Ultraviolet Energy (UV-C)
• Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) and Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP)
• Bipolar Ionization/Corona Discharge/Needlepoint Ionization and Other Ion or Reactive Oxygen Air Cleaners
• Ozone
• In-Room or Portable Air Cleaners

Surface Disinfection

• Spray/Wipe Chemical Disinfectants
• Ultraviolet Energy (UV-C)
• Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide
• Ozone
• Pulsed Xenon Lamps
• 405 nm Visible Light
• Far Ultraviolet

Transportation

Transportation                                                  

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TRANSPORTATION (PDF)

Introduction

• Overview

Guidance for Mass Transit Riders

• Person to Person Contact
• Masks
• Other Recommendations

Guidance for Mass Transit Operations, Rail and Bus

• Challenges
• Demand-Controlled Ventilation
• HVAC and Windows
• Filter Replacement
• UV-C

Guidance for Marine Passengers

• Procedures
• Ventilation and Air Distribution

Guidance for Marine Operators

• Considerations
• Relevant Hotel Guidance
• Humidity Controls
• Outside Air vs. Recirculation
• Filtration
• UV-C

Guidance for Air Passengers

• Face Masks
• Personal Air Outlets (PAO)

Guidance for Air Operators

• Considerations
• Outside Air and Filter Replacement
• Modifications
• Shutdown of the ECS
• Avoiding Reduced Ventilation
• Social Distancing
• Loading and Deplaning Procedures
• Humidity
• Emergency Procedures

Guidance for Transportation Facility Operation

• Considerations
• Emergency Plan
• Building Types
• Changes to HVAC Operation
• Social Distancing
• Reduced Facility Use

Technical Committees | Training | Handbook | Standards | Conference and Journal Papers | Books | Scientific | Resources from Others