indoor air quality: understanding ventilation …
TRANSCRIPT
INDOOR AIR QUALITY:
UNDERSTANDING
VENTILATION
GUIDELINES DURING
PANDEMIC COVID-19
SCOPE OF PRESENTATION
❖ Definition
❖ Background
❖ Types of settings
❖ Scope of guidance
❖ Roles of employers, building management & home owners
❖ Expectation
❖ Conclusion
What is indoor air quality? Why bother?
“Indoor air quality refers to the quality of air inside
buildings, around buildings and structures, related to the
health and comfort of building occupants”
1. Most of our time spent in indoor-up to 90%
2. Levels of some contaminants are higher than outdoor. E.g: VOCs
3. The building currently has changed from using natural ventilation to the tight building concept.
4. Energy conservation measures that aim to reduce operating costs could potentially affect the indoor air quality
COMMON IAQ ISSUES IN MALAYSIA
• Mold in building
–High humidity
–Leakage in water piping
–Flood
• Smoking in the building
–Office
–Restaurant
–Designated smoking area
• Office too cold
–Low temperature
• Split unit AC
–Lack of fresh air
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SOME IAQ POLLUTANTS
a. Humans breathing-release of CO2
b. Materials that are deficient (not according to specifications) or have a technical defect during construction
c. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) –IARC Human Carcinogen
d. Excessive usage of normal product
e. Prescribed activity
Contaminant Sources Effects
Carbon dioxide Poorly vented combustion sources
Drowsiness, poorconcentration
Carbon monoxide As above, and tobacco smoke
Headache, dizziness, nausea…death
Formaldehyde Insulation, carpets, glues, tobacco smoke
Eye/respiratory irritation, rashes
Nitrogen oxides Combustion sources Eye/respiratory irritation
Ozone Photocopiers, air ‘cleaners’
Eye/respiratory irritation
VOCs Paints, cleaning products, pesticides
Eye/respiratory irritation, dizziness
Inorganic gases (SO2, ammonia)
Cleaning materials Eye/respiratory irritation
MAJOR INDOOR AIR CONTAMINANTS VS HEALTH EFFECTS
SOURCE OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Inadequate ventilation 52%
Indoor contamination 16%
Outdoor contamination 10%
Microorganism 5%
Fabric and construction materials 4%
Unknown source 13%
Research done by US NIOSH in 1990 (more than 500 buildings have been investigated)
What is ventilation?
Process of supplying
outdoor air to and removing
indoor air from a space
For the purpose of controlling air
contaminant levels,
Accompanied by humidity and or temperature , by
natural or mechanical
means
Ventilation rate: rate of outdoor air flow to a space,
expressed in terms of volume per unit of time . Either cubic
feet per minute (CFM) or litresper second (L/s) or cubic meter per hour (m3/hr)
Air Changes per hour (ACH): Ventilation airflow rate (m3/hr) divided by room volume. Indicates how many times during one hour, the air volume of a space is fully replaced with the outdoor air
Background▪ Current evidence suggest that airborne transmission could play a role in the spread of Covid-
19. WHO also acknowledged that aerosols carrying the virus can “remain suspended in the
air” or travel farther than 1 metre (long range).
▪ The COVID-19 virus can spread in poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings such as
office buildings, healthcare facilities, and workplace where people tend to spend longer
periods of time. Virus also spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each
other .i.e. within 1 metre (short range)
▪ Since PKP 1.0, weekly SOP by DOSH was made compulsory for all workplaces since April
2020. One important element in the SOP is ventilation. Compliance was found to be above
95%.
▪ A Technical Committee was formed on 9th June 2021 appointed by Dato’ KSU Ministry of
Human Resource.
▪ Ministry of Human Resource through DOSH and MOH have collaborated to come up with an
interim guidance on ventilation to enhance ventilation and indoor air quality during this
pandemic.
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TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON VENTILATION AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY 2021
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LEGISLATIONS IN MALAYSIA: INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY 2010
a. Purpose:
i. Provide guidance on improving IAQ;
ii. Set minimum standard for selected parameters to avoid discomfort and/or adverse health effect among employees and other occupants
APPLICATION OF ICOP 2010
Domestic buildingUsed or intended to be used for domestic/ industrial purposes
Removal and disposal of asbestos containing materials
Where any chemical hazardous to health are used for analytical, research or prevention purposes
Building or any part of building/ totally enclosed areas , served by MVAC/split unit, where there are
persons at work,
EXCEPT
SECTION 15
EMPLOYERTo ensure, as far as practicable, safety, health and welfare at the place of work of all his employees(including contractors and its workers)
SECTION 17
EMPLOYERTo ensure he and other persons not being his employees, are not thereby exposed to risks to their safety or health
SECTION 18AN OCCUPIER OF NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES shall take such measures
as are practicable to ensure that premise are safe and without risks to
healthwhen using the plant or
substance in the premises or provided for
use.
GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS & SELF –EMPLOYED PERSONS UNDER OSHA 1994
CONTENTS OF ICOP 2010
• APPLICATION
• COMPLAINTS AND INVESTIGATIONS PROCEDURE
• CONTROL OF IAQ
• INFORMATION, INSTRUCTION, TRAINING
• RECORD KEEPING
• REGISTRATION OF IAQ ASSESSOR
• ATTACHMENTS
THE GUIDANCE NOTES
Guidance Notes are developed based on ICOP 2010 & WHO ROADMAP & other established docs international bodies
GUIDANCE OF 4 TYPES OF SETTINGS
Applies to all buildings or any part ofthe building or totally enclosed areasserved by a mechanical ventilatingand air conditioning (MVAC) systemincluding air-cooled split unit, wherethere are persons at work, except-
i. domestic buildings;ii. any area or any part of the
building which is constructed,
used or intended to be used for
domestic or industrial
purposes;
iii. any area or part of building
where any chemicals
hazardous to health are used
for analytical, research or
preservation purposes; or
iv. removal and disposal of
asbestos containing materials.
LIMITATIONS OF ICOP
TYPES OF SETTINGS
GUIDANCE NOTES IN TEXT @ WEBSITE, SCAN QR CODE IN INFOGRAPHIC
4 SETS BOTH LANGUAGES : BAHASA INGGERIS DAN BAHASA MALAYSIA
MUKA SURAT 3 – MKN PELAN PEMULIHAN NEGARA SOP FASA 1
MUKA SURAT 3 – MKN PELAN PEMULIHAN NEGARA SOP FASA 2
Scope of Guidance
FRESH AIR
SUPPY
❖ ONLY APPLICABLE DURING PANDEMIC COVID 19
THREE TYPES OF VENTILATION:
Houses Apartments Condominiums
Factory building
Office building
Commercial building
LaundrettesRestaurant/
shopping malls
Community Hall
Hospital ClinicsQuarantine
Centre
i.e
SCOPE
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air can help reduce indoor airborne contaminants
Increasing ventilation by itself is not enough - should be done simultaneously with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) recommended by MOH/ NSC & other key measures to reduce disease transmission, such as requiring building occupants to practice physical distancing, wearing masks, frequently washing hand, and carrying out regular disinfection of high-touch points within the building
It is of importance that a risk assessment be carried out to facilitate the implementation of relevant countermeasures and to assess the minimum ventilation rate per person
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
If it is not possible to improve the ventilation, then action must be taken to adjust the maximum building occupancy
Work practices designed to reduce crowding or occupancy such as telework, staggered schedules and remote/video meetings
Limiting the use of small spaces that are shared, such as laundry rooms, and lobbies/ cubicles.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Regular surface cleaning according to the details in Annex 36 of ‘Garispanduan PengurusanCOVID-19: Garispanduan Pembersihan dan Disinfeksi di Tempat Awam’ issued by MOH should be carried out in addition to ventilation improvements and usage of air cleaning technology.
-Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) on Indoor Air Quality 2010 published by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
-Other established documents published by respective international organization and other countries on ventilation and indoor air quality during COVID-19 pandemic
GENERAL CONCEPT-
Air conditioned with mechanical ventilation
Ensure all components and controls of the MVAC system are maintained and functioning as per
design
Advisable to increase outdoor
fresh air ventilation by
opening outdoor air dampers 100%
in order to increase effective
dilution ventilation per
person. Recommended value: 10 l/s per
person
Inspect daily for MVAC
components for continuous operation
Filtration: Consider using
Filters of MERV 13 or higher MERV
value filters. Using this higher MERV filters shall take
into consideration the capabilities of
the MVAC systems. Consider
MERV14/F8 for Healthcare
setting.# Water
Systems –ASHRAE Standard 188-2018/ ASHRAE Guidelines 12-2020
# Reduce occupant density in air-conditioned spaces
# Consider air flushing/ purging before and after occupancy of the buildings
Maintain Temperature parameter in the range 230C – 260C and Relative Humidity parameter in the range of 40% - 70%
Disable Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) where
necessary
Consider using sterilization /inhibition/ deactivation systems -
which may be considered for added
effectiveness (with professional
consultation/advice; study; trained operator).
Efficacy and safety of under the operating conditions must be
considered
Ensure the filters are installed correctly and
well-sealed according to manufacturers’
recommendation
# All supply air diffusers should operate at designated airflow direction
# Ensure all outdoor air reach all intended place by doing balancing of air distribution system
# Modify airflow direction by relocating supply and return air devices if necessary
Stand-alone or portable air
cleaners with appropriate filter
may be used where there is
evidence of their effectiveness. The
stand-alone air cleaners do not
replace ventilation in any
circumstance
Install additional
supply and/ or exhaust fans if
the existing system does
not deliver the sufficient
outdoor air
Ensure there are no leakage of air
into any occupied space including
water seals, cracks in any pipes or ducts and wall
gaps
Do not close windows or doors when people are occupying the area. Closing windows or doors will result in a low level of ventilation. However, do not open windows or doors if
the weather condition does not allow it; or there is poor surrounding air quality; or the condition poses a safety and health risk to people inside.
Depends on outdoor conditions (wind &
temperature)
Existing exhaust fans in places like toilets or kitchen, should be
operated at maximum capacity
Purge the area as frequently as possible by
opening all doors and windows completely
especially when the area is not occupied
GENERAL CONCEPT- NATURAL VENTILATION
FACILITIES
Using fans (combination with other measures)
•Face the fan toward the windows or doors to blow air out; or away from the windows or doors to blow air into the area.
•Multiple fans can be used to push air out of one window or door and draw it in from another.
•For the use of a single fan, face it in the same direction the air is naturally moving.
•Observe the direction of the air as it may change at times (simple way to determine the direction by spot the movement of fabric/ curtain or by holding the light paper/ fabric).
•It may not be necessary to use a fan on windy days
HEALTHCARE FACILTIES
Infographic produced
AIR-CONDITIONED FACILITIES WITHOUT FRESH AIR SUPPY
• a) Open operable windows and doors as frequently as possible, unless outdoor/outside air quality is poor. Air-conditioning should be reduced or turned off when doors and/or windows are opened.
• b) Consider positioning extractor/mounted exhaust fans at windows to blow air outwards and increase air exchange.
• c) Consider adding dedicated outdoor air supply and/or exhaust. The outdoor air system can be designed such that high-efficiency (MERV14 or F8) filters when necessary.
• d) Modifying the position of the split unit or FCUs to direct the airflow to the less clean zone or install an extractor to control the airflow where AGP are performed.
• e) Consider to use a stand-alone air cleaner with appropriate filters if no other (shortterm) strategy can be adopted. The stand-alone air cleaners do not replace ventilation in any circumstance.
AIR-CONDITIONED FACILITIES WITH MECHANICAL VENTILATION
• a) To increase the ventilation rate according to system capabilities. Disable demand-control ventilation such as those with CO2 sensors, to avoid automatic reduction of outdoor air supply.
• b) Consider reducing the maximum room occupancy.
• c) Modify airflow direction by relocating supply and return air devices if necessary.
• d) Set recirculation air dampers to a minimum according to system capabilities if possible.
• e) Use high-efficiency filters (at least MERV14 or F8 is recommended) in AHUs. Filters should be properly installed regularly inspected, maintained and cleaned according to manufacturers’ recommendation.
• f) Consider to use air-cleaning technologies that be able to kill microbe in AHUs or ducting to augment MERV14 filters. Efficacy and safety of all air-cleaning devices under the operating conditions must be considered.
• g) Consider to use a stand-alone air cleaner with appropriate filters if no other (shortterm) strategy can be adopted. The stand-alone air cleaners do not replace ventilation in any circumstance.
NATURAL VENTILATION FACILITIES• a) Assess the opening locations and opening
surfaces considering potential new openings.
• b) Consider enabling cross ventilation rather
than single-sided ventilation. However, this
approach should not be implemented in a room
or ward for COVID-19 suspected cases where
AGP may take place and when the exhaust air
is not properly managed and when the airflow is
moving from a less clean to a clean area.
• c) Consider reducing the maximum room
occupancy.
• d) The airflow direction should be from clean to
less clean area.
• e) Increase natural ventilation with
enhancement by fans.
• f) Consider to use a stand-alone air cleaner with
appropriate filters if no other (short-term)
strategy can be adopted. The stand-alone air
cleaners do not replace ventilation in any
circumstance.
PUBLIC SETTING
Infographic produced
• Method to control⚬ Engineering Controls⚬ Administrative Controls⚬ Reconfiguration of Building Spaces and
Furnishings⚬ Cleaning and Disinfection
• Measures for air-conditioned premises with mechanical ventilation air conditioning (MVAC)⚬ Ensure MVAC system are fully functioning.⚬ Maximise ventilation for indoor air dilution:
Maximise outdoor air intake and supply by setting.
⚬ Minimise indoor air recirculation; use high-efficiency filters in AHUs to treat recirculated air.
• Measures for naturally ventilated premises.• Measures for enclosed air-conditioned premises
without mechanical ventilation provision (e.g. split-unit air-conditioners or FCUs without fresh air supply)
RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS
Infographic produced
• There are two types of residential settings that can be distinguished as follows:⚬ Houses (landed properties)⚬ Other residential settings
• Both residential settings can be divided into two (2) types of ventilation as follows:⚬ Enclosed air conditioned residential
settings without mechanical ventilation provision.
⚬ Naturally ventilated residential settings• Carrying out a Risk Assessment: It is of
importance that a risk assessment be carried out to facilitate the implementation of relevant countermeasures and to assess the minimum ventilation rate per person.
NON-RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS
Infographic produced • Carrying out a Risk Assessment: It is of
importance that a risk assessment be carried out to facilitate the implementation of relevant countermeasures and to assess the minimum ventilation rate per person.
• Non-residential setting can be divided into three (3) types of ventilation as follows:⚬ Air-Conditioned Spaces with
Mechanical Ventilation (Centralized Air Conditioning System)
⚬ Air-Conditioned Spaces without Mechanical Ventilation (NonCentralized Air Conditioning System)
⚬ Natural Ventilated Spaces
Recommendations
1 2 3 4 5
ROLES OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT, EMPLOYERS, HOMEOWNERS
• COMPLY TO STRATEGIES AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN EACH SETTINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUCH AS
–ANALYSE BUILDING MVAC SYSTEMS
–PROPER OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF MVAC
–MONITOR AND MAINTAIN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AS IN THE ICOP 2010
–AVOID RECIRCULATION OF AIR
–OPENING WINDOWS
–EXTEND OPERATING TIMES OF MVAC
–LIMIT NO OF OCCUPANCY
• WEAR MASK, PHYSICAL DISTANCING
• INCREASE VENTILATION RATE: 10L/S
EXPECTATION
• TO PROMOTE AND IMPLEMENT THESE GUIDANCES FOR THESE 4 SETTINGS
• THESE GUIDANCES MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF VIRUS TRANSMISSION THROUGH AIRBORNE.
• TO BE READ TOGETHER WITH SOP ESTABLISHED BY MKN AND MOH
• COMPLY TO SOPS AT ALL PUBLIC PLACES TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF CO2 –INITIAL VENTILATION PERFORMANCE INDICATOR
.
MEASUREMENTS OF VENTILATION AT PPVS BY DOSH
Thank [email protected]
Technical Committee on Ventilation and Indoor Air
Quality (IAQ) During Pandemic COVID-19