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Tag: covid-19
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ASHRAE issues ‘unequivocal’ COVID advice
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has released an updated, unequivocal statement on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in buildings. “Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is significant and should be controlled,” says the statement. “Changes to building operations, including the operation of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, can reduce airborne exposures.” […]
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New study looks at ideal placement of air purifiers
Researchers from the Department of Engineering, University of Minnesota, have published findings on the efficacy of air purifiers in achieving ventilation rates close to values prescribed by the World Health Organization. The same report claims that purifiers also help to achieve aerosol removal times within the Center of Disease Control and Prevention recommended guidelines. The […]
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Building ventilation and COVID-19 transmission
The Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre (AIVC), in collaboration with IEA EBC Annex 86, are organising a free webinar discussing the impact of building ventilation on COVID-19 transmission. The webinar, titled “Building ventilation: How does it affect SARS-Cov-2 transmission”, is part of a series of three webinars. This session will address the potential mitigating role […]
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Purafil launches PuraWard air filter
Purafil’s PuraWard air filter is designed as a solution for the removal of airborne microbial contaminants. Available in various sizes and particulate filtration grades, PuraWard filters consist of specialised polymer fibres engineered with a US EPA-registered antimicrobial agent. According to Purafil, this filtration media has been evaluated to remove a range of bacteria, fungi, and […]
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Temperzone launches virtual exhibition
Temperzone has announced the launch of a new virtual exhibition showcasing Temperzone and Hitachi products. According to the company, the site was partly created to circumvent COVID-19 restrictions that have made it difficult to present their products at physical exhibitions. The virtual tour provides a visual perspective of the products as well as the ability […]
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Safe Work releases guidance on workplace ventilation
A new COVID-19 fact sheet on improving ventilation in indoor workplaces has been developed by Safe Work Australia. The fact sheet highlights practical steps to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and improve ventilation in indoor workplaces. The advice covers three main points. Ensuring HVAC systems are operating properly. This includes checking that systems […]
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VASA Wire & Gas Convention postponed until 2022
VASA, Australasia’s peak trade association for specialists in auto air conditioning, electrical and thermal management, has postponed its flagship Wire & Gas conference until 2022 due to logistical risks posed by ongoing pandemic-related disruptions. Wire & Gas, originally scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2020, was postponed until the equivalent weekend […]
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Activ8 COVID disinfectant earns TGA approval
Activ8 Barrier Guard HVAC is a Queensland-made, TGA-registered COVID disinfectant designed for use in the HVAC industry. According to air conditioning system supplier Complete Air Supply (CAS), it is the only HVAC TGA-approved COVID disinfectant on the market. Available in 5L and 15L containers, the product includes non-toxic products that are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal as well […]
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South Australia opens new ‘medi-hotel’ for COVID cases
International travellers in South Australia who test positive for COVID-19 infection are now being transferred to a hotel quarantine facility with upgraded ventilation systems and processes. The 72-bed Tom’s Court hotel in Adelaide’s CBD will mainly house new international arrivals, but rooms will also be available should there be any further cases of community transmission […]
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Hotel quarantine outbreaks prompt ventilation review
The Victorian government is conducting a review of hotel ventilation and air conditioning systems amid an increase in COVID-19 cases linked to quarantine. The situation has raised further concerns about the suitability of hotels as quarantine facilities, and the role of airborne transmission in spreading the virus. The Australian hotel quarantine system has registered outbreaks […]
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ASHRAE presents to congressional hearing on COVID-19 safety
US engineering body ASHRAE has provided witness testimony in a congressional hearing on COVID-19 risks and response in transportation systems. Titled “Protecting Transportation Workers and Passengers from COVID: Gaps in Safety, Lessons Learned, and Next Steps,” the hearing examined COVID-19 safety gaps in the protection of US transportation workers and passengers. “Protecting the transportation workforce […]
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REHVA launches online COVID-19 course
The Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has launched an online course for the safe operation of buildings and HVAC systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online course takes around 8 hours to complete and covers key topics on how to resume activities, safely operate buildings, and use densely occupied indoor […]
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ASHRAE releases core advice on reducing airborne spread
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has released new guidance to address control of airborne infectious aerosol exposure. It has also issued recommendations for communities of faith buildings. During the course of 2020, experts placed increasing emphasis on the role of aerosols in transmitting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Although at first the virus was […]
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Halton introduces mobile UVGI solution
Halton has designed Sentinel, a mobile Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) solution to minimise viral spread and protect personnel and guests in a broad range of indoor spaces. According to the indoor air solutions company, the new mobile filtration unit complements and enhances the effectiveness of current mitigation practices – such as social distancing, respiratory masks, […]
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CDC updates advice on COVID-19 and ventilation
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has released updated advice to reduce exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. The advice includes suggestions to improve ventilation that may help reduce the concentration of virus particles in the air. According to the CDC website, SARS-CoV-2 viral particles spread between people more readily indoors than […]
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PCA proposes ‘return to CBD’ roadmap
The Property Council of Australia has proposed a national plan to support the return of workers to central business districts (CBDs). As office occupancy in major CBDs still lags behind pre-COVID pandemic levels, the Council is urging a return to office workplaces to revitalise the CBD economies. “We are now at a critical juncture for […]
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Ziehl-Abegg provides support to coronavirus ward
Motor and fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg is providing support for the Hohenlohe District Department of Health in the fight against COVID-19, by lending personnel and committing to supply CO2 detectors. Three employees from the industrial company based in Künzelsau, Germany, have been deployed to serve in the coronavirus ward in the former Künzelsau hospital where cases […]
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REHVA publishes update to COVID-19 guidance
The Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has published a new version of its popular COVID-19 guidance document. The document provides advice on how to operate HVAC and other building service systems to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease in workplaces. The updated fourth version focuses on how to […]
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Legionnaires’ cases highlight risk for restarting buildings
As more workers return to their offices, businesses in NSW and Victoria have been warned about the risks of Legionnaires’ disease in hibernating buildings. Several Legionnaires’ disease cases have been notified to NSW Health, representatives of which have visited different areas of Sydney. “Cooling water systems can be a source of Legionella bacteria that cause […]
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AC and ventilation best practices for COVID-19 prevention
HMS Networks has released a white paper on the best practices or improvements that can be carried out via AC systems integrations to help prevent COVID-19. Titled “Discover how 6 steps using air conditioning units can help to reduce COVID-19 infection!”, the paper aims to show what can be done with AC units to prevent […]