Page 19 - OHS, November/December 2024

I H : R E S P I R A T O R Y P R O T E C T I O N
Prepping Indoor Spaces for Fall and Winter
Prepping Indoor Spaces for Fall and Winter
Why IAQ management during these seasons is critical and how it reduces respiratory risks.
Why IAQ management during these seasons is critical and how it reduces respiratory risks.
BY ARTI LYDE
BY ARTI LYDE
to indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes critical for maintain-
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, attention
ing a safe and healthy work environment. For janitorial
staff , building engineers, and HVAC contractors, prepar-
ing indoor spaces for the fall and winter season means more than
just cleaning surfaces—it also involves managing the air we breathe.
Th e fl u season and other respiratory illnesses are a constant concern,
making IAQ management essential to prevent the spread of airborne
infections in the workplace.
Why Cold and Flu Spread Is Worse in Colder Months
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), fl u cases typically rise in October, peak between December
and February, and taper off by April. However, unpredictable fl u
patterns, coupled with the lingering threat of respiratory illnesses
like COVID-19, make it essential to manage IAQ year-round. A
recent CDC outlook predicts that the upcoming respiratory season
will have similar hospitalization levels as last year, underscoring
the critical need for maintaining clean air.
Several factors make colder months more conducive to the
spread of respiratory infections such as the fl u and common cold:
1. Close Indoor Contact: During fall and winter, people spend
more time indoors, increasing the chance of close contact with
others, which facilitates the spread of viruses.
2. Dry Indoor Air: Heating systems dry out the air, which can
lead to the drying of mucous membranes in the respiratory tract,
making individuals more susceptible to infections.
3. Stable Conditions for Viruses: Cold, dry air creates con-
ditions that stabilize virus particles, allowing them to remain air-
borne longer. Additionally, for individuals with chronic respira-
tory conditions, colder air can exacerbate symptoms of asthma,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis.
Proper ventilation, maintaining optimum humidity levels, and
adequate air purifi cation can signifi cantly reduce the spread of re-
spiratory illnesses, helping to safeguard workers’ health
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Fall/Winter
Comprehensive Cleaning Beyond Surfaces. Maintaining IAQ is
vital to a healthy environment. As windows close and heating sys-
tems run during the colder months, airborne pollutants can build
up. Regular maintenance of air fi ltration systems and ensuring that
HVAC systems are functioning properly should be part of fall and
winter preparations.
Implementing Advanced Air Purifi cation Systems. Given the
advances in fi ltration technology in recent years, it’s important to
look for an innovative solution for improving indoor air quality
and reducing the spread of airborne viruses. Look for systems that
are designed to work alongside existing HVAC systems and utilize
H13 True HEPA fi ltration, which is twice as eff ective as MERV 13
standard fi lters. When selecting these systems also be aware if the
units have been tested to prove their ability to capture H1N1, Rhi-
novirus, and SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Monitoring and Managing IAQ. Real-time air quality moni-
toring is essential for eff ective IAQ management. Sensor-driven
technology enables continuous tracking of the environment,
adjusting air fi ltration rates based on occupancy and changes in
air quality. By automatically regulating fan speeds, these systems
maintain optimal air cleanliness while reducing energy usage
when maximum fi ltration levels aren’t needed.
Data-rich dashboards give facilities managers detailed insights
into air quality, from particulate matter to CO2 levels, along with
alerts for rising contaminant levels.
Empowering Building Engineers and Janitorial Teams
As the frontline defenders of building cleanliness and operational ef-
fi ciency, building engineers and janitorial staff play a pivotal role in
maintaining optimal IAQ. Ensuring that air purifi ers and HVAC sys-
tems are maintained and functional is crucial. Th is includes replac-
ing fi lters as needed. Building engineers and janitorial staff should
look for smart systems that can notify them when fi lters need to be
changed and provide other key air quality metrics, helping them iden-
tify exactly where an issue arises and respond to any issues promptly,
mitigating potential air quality hazards that can lead to illness.
Sharing IAQ status with occupants also promotes transparency
and highlights the eff orts being taken to maintain a healthy environ-
ment. Ultimately, providing occupants with real-time visibility into
air quality fosters confi dence in the safety and cleanliness of the space.
Th e benefi ts of good IAQ can be felt all year long:
1. Enhanced Health and Well-being. Clean indoor air reduces
the spread of airborne illnesses such as the fl u and cold, benefi ting
those with respiratory conditions like asthma.
2. Improved Productivity. Good air quality boosts productiv-
ity. Research (tinyurl.com/4hpmdme5) shows that doubling ven-
tilation rates can increase productivity, yielding fi nancial benefi ts
for businesses. Fewer sick days also lead to signifi cant cost savings.
3. Cost Savings. Effi cient air purifi cation can reduce strain on
HVAC systems, lowering energy costs. Smart systems that adjust
based on real-time IAQ data can further optimize energy usage.
4. Supporting ESG Goals. IAQ management contributes to en-
vironmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives by promot-
ing worker health and safety, reducing energy consumption, and
aligning with health regulations.
As the fall and winter seasons approach, prioritizing IAQ is es-
sential for creating a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
Janitorial and building operations staff , along with HVAC con-
tractors, are at the forefront of this eff ort. By adopting advanced
air purifi cation systems, monitoring air quality, and maintaining
transparency with building occupants, these professionals can en-
sure that indoor spaces remain healthy and productive throughout
the colder months.
Arti Lyde is the Global General Manager of Air Quality Management at
Fellowes. For more information, visit Fellowes.com/air.
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