Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Resources from ASHRAE and Others

NEW 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:
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 Featured in Media

WIRED | August 6, 2020
Could a Janky, Jury-Rigged Air Purifier Help Fight Covid-19?
Bill Bahnfleth

Tampa Bay 10 | August 6, 2020
MERV 13 filters are also recommended in your home
Wade Conlan

Newsy | July 27, 2020 
School Air Filters: Not COVID-19 Ready
Bill Bahnfleth

San Antonio News-Express | July 25, 2020
Upgrades to home air conditioning systems may help fight the coronavirus
Max Sherman

Real Estate News | July 16, 2020
Connectivity could be critical in keeping CRE buildings safe post-COVID
Bill Bahnfleth

Eat This, Not That | July 16, 2020
This Is How You Are Most Likely to Get Coronavirus Indoors
Bill Bahnfleth

Chicago Tribune | July 15, 2020
Should you dine out in Chicago? Health experts weigh in with risks, and how to reduce them
ASHRAE

Naples Daily News | July 15, 2020
Most air conditioning systems don't protect against the coronavirus. In some cases, it can actually facilitate spread.
Bill Bahnfleth

Facility Executive Magazine | July 14, 2020
HVAC Systems And Reopening Buildings Amid COVID-19
Sarah Maston

Retrofit | July 6, 2020
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force Prepares Facilities for Future Epidemics
Wade Conlan

Houma Today | July 3, 2020
Is air conditioning helping spread coronavirus?
Bill Bahnfleth

FOX 5 NY | July 1, 2020
How can HEPA filters help fight COVID-19?
Bill Bahnfleth

NOLA.com | July 1, 2020
Is air conditioning helping to spread coronavirus? In southern states, being indoors may be a factor
Bill Bahnfleth

Business Insider | July 1, 2020
4 ways to know if you're in a well-ventilated space, reducing the risk of spreading or contracting the coronavirus
Bill Bahnfleth

Education Week | June 4, 2020
As Schools Prep for COVID-Era Return, Feds Estimate 36,000 Have Air-System Problems
Rick Hermans

June

May

April

March

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

Building Readiness                                                   REV 08/07/2020

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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- and Post-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 07/17/2020

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REOPENING SCHOOLS (PDF)

Introduction

• Introduction

Determining Building Readiness

• Determining Building Readiness
• Summer Checklist for Fall Classes
• 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

Guidance from Others                                                   REV 06/02/2020

Links to helpful documents from other organizations:
Guidance from Others

Healthcare | Residential | Multifamily | Commercial | Schools and Universities

Healthcare                                                  REV 06/18/2020

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HEALTHCARE (PDF)

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
• Eliminate recirculation or minimize to the extent possible
• 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

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

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)

• General Recommendations
• Review of current operational practices
• Holistic view for owner/operator
• Pandemic preparedness plan
• Indoor and outdoor environment
• Review the space types
• Operate and maintain HVAC
• Air-Conditioning and Ventilation systems
• Exhaust systems
• Pressure Control
• Elevator Control
• BAS and Access Control Systems

Schools and Universities | Return to Top                                                  REV 07/17/2020

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SCHOOLS (PDF)

Reopening Schools and Universities Guidance

REOPENING SCHOOLS (PDF)

• View Guidance

Information on SARS-CoV-2

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

Filtration / Disinfection

Filtration / Disinfection                                                  REV 07/15/2020

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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

Air Disinfection

• Ultraviolet Energy (UV-C)
• Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO)
• Bipolar Ionization/Corona Discharge
• Ozone

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

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