DOH DM No. 2020 0429 Guidance On Ventilation For COVID 19 Mitigation
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Boni MagtibayDOH DM No. 2020 0429 Guidance On Ventilation For COVID 19 Mitigation
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Boni MagtibayCommon questions
Powered by AIConsulting HVAC specialists is crucial when implementing ventilation improvements as they can provide tailored advice based on the specific characteristics of a space. Depending on room size, occupancy, and existing system capabilities, specialists can recommend adjustments to ensure adequate air exchange, use of filtration systems, and avoidance of recirculation. This is particularly important in specialized settings like hospitals and factories where ventilation requirements can be complex and must meet specific health standards .
Engineering controls can improve air quality and reduce COVID-19 transmission by altering physical structures in spaces. Examples include using physical barriers, enhancing the capacity of exhaust ventilation systems, ensuring that HVAC systems provide adequate air exchange without recirculating contaminated air, and utilizing HEPA filtration in spaces where external air is not easily accessible. Proper maintenance and consultation with industrial hygienists are also recommended to ensure effectiveness .
Administrative controls include procedural interventions meant to reduce exposure to COVID-19 by implementing policies such as hygiene protocols, disinfection standards, temperature checks, and work shifting to decrease occupancy. These controls are designed to modify how spaces are utilized to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission, complementing the physical alterations made by engineering controls .
The DOH memorandum highlights the importance of proper ventilation as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. Ensuring adequate ventilation can reduce pathogen transmission by optimizing air exchange rates, improving the physical characteristics of the indoor environment, and implementing engineering and administrative controls. The memorandum acknowledges that further research is needed while providing interim guidance on enhancing ventilation systems to minimize exposure to infectious agents .
For high-occupancy buildings during an epidemic, it is recommended to operate HVAC systems to maximize the introduction of outdoor air, avoid recirculation, and ensure continuous operation at lower speeds even during nights and weekends. Windows should be opened regularly, and maintenance like filter replacement should be adhered to as scheduled. Additionally, toilet ventilation should run 24/7, with instructions for flushing toilets with closed lids to prevent droplet dispersion .
Signs of inadequate ventilation include undesirable temperature variations, increased humidity, and stagnant air movement. To address these signs, increasing the air exchange rate through exhaust systems and opening windows/doors can improve conditions. Additionally, ensuring proper HVAC maintenance and avoiding setups that recirculate unfiltered air help maintain optimal indoor air quality, reducing the risk of pathogen spread .
Settings with recirculated air systems should be avoided as they can propagate the transmission of airborne viruses, such as COVID-19, especially if air from infected individuals can be recirculated to others. Instead, environments should aim to maximize the introduction of fresh outdoor air and use filtration systems like HEPA purifiers when outdoor air cannot be accessed. Opening windows and doors where possible, and ensuring proper ventilation system maintenance, can also aid in reducing risks associated with recirculated air .
In public restrooms, it is recommended to keep exhaust fans running continuously to maintain proper air exchange and reduce contamination risks. This helps in minimizing the accumulation of aerosols in the air. Additionally, users should be instructed to close toilet lids before flushing to control the release of droplets, further reducing exposure to potentially infectious aerosols .
The memorandum suggests that, whenever possible, gatherings should be held in open-air settings to minimize COVID-19 exposure. If this is not feasible, efforts should be made to enhance airflow by opening windows and doors, ensuring these do not open towards pollution sources. Reducing the number of people in a given area and implementing distancing measures further mitigate the risk of transmission when activities must occur indoors .
To minimize COVID-19 risks in vehicles, it is advised to use natural ventilation and avoid the recirculated air setting during passenger transport. This can be achieved by lowering vehicle windows or using vents to introduce fresh air from outside, ensuring better air quality than recirculated options which may contain pathogens .
