Page 16 - Climate Control News May 2020

In Focus
Manufacturers issue virus advice
THE CURRENT COVID-19 crisis highlights the responsibilities of HVACR engineers and technicians, along with service and mainte- nance personnel, building owners and operators to carefully assess building ventilation systems and their conditions.
Proper ventilation, with a higher degree of fresh air supply and air exchange, the use of the correct filter types and careful maintenance can be important factors in the containment of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a statement issued by Eurovent Middle East, an industry body for HVACR equipment manufacturers.
The organisation outlines basic recommenda- tions to minimise risks related to the transmis- sion of airborne viruses through ventilation and air-conditioning systems in an effort to contain the outbreak.
Eurovent said the basic recommendations, di- rectly or indirectly bear on the spread of viruses and the well-being of people in occupied spaces.
“These recommendations are based on an indus- try wide consensus and should provide guidance on best practises in relation to air filtration and ventilation in the current crisis,” the statement said.
“While in most cases ventilation systems are a given and cannot be modified in the short term,
conducting careful assessment of the ventilation installations and carrying out the correct main- tenance measures can assist in preventing the propagation of the virus.”
Eurovent Middle East president, Brian Sugg- itt, said everyone has a responsibility to support the government’s efforts to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus and minimise its effects.
“We have put together several recommenda- tions in regard to ventilation and air filtration
Equipment manufacturers provide recommendations to minimise risks related to the transmission of airborne viruses.
which we see as important to be followed,” Sug- gitt said.
“While just a small part of the fight against the virus, these measures can have an essential ef- fect in reducing the impact of the disease on our healthcare system.”
The industry association has published docu- ments with recommendations for building owners, operators and maintenance personnel on air-filtra- tion, ventilation and maintenance procedures.
HVAC is critical building infrastructure
IN ITS SUBMISSION to government, the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Asso- ciation (AMCA) described HVAC as critical building infrastructure.
AMCA provided a long list of the services de- pendent on HVAC including:
• Construction and fit-out of new and redevel-
oped healthcare facilities;
• Operation of data centres, telecommunica-
tions facilities and cloud-computing;
• Air purification for hospitals, laboratories and
other sensitive environments;
• Fire and smoke control systems;
• Ventilation and indoor air quality for building
occupants;
• Maintenance and microbiol control (e.g. le-
gionella in cooling towers);
• Heating and cooling for comfort, wellbeing
and productivity;
• Climate control and air quality for commer-
cial facilities (e.g. offices, warehouse, etc.); . “We also encourage government to consider both the maintenance of these systems, as well as the continua- tion of new building projects, as essential services during the
shutdown,” the letter said. “While maintenance is criti- cal to health, safety and build- ing performance, the continua- tion of new building projects can play an important role in the state’s ability to rebound from the public health crisis in
future months.”
The industry group’s executive
“PLANS ARE IN PLACE TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION.” – AMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUMIT OBEROI.
director, Sumit Oberoi, said AMCA members have begun engaging with clients to initiate plans that would minimise the risk of transmission.
“Most maintenance activities are carried out by a single individual and can be performed in compliance with social distancing guidelines,” Oberoi said.
“Technicians travel independently in service vehicles, and activities can also be scheduled at times that eliminate or minimise interaction with building occupants.
“AMCA members involved in the construction of new buildings have also initiated plans to co- ordinate and schedule activities that minimise the risk of transmission.”
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