Large volume spaces with very few occupants (e.g., a warehouse) may not require 5 ACH and spaces with high occupancy or higher-risk occupants may need higher than 5 ACH.įor guidance on calculating ACH, see Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) May 2023, Ventilation in Buildings External Link. In negative-pressure isolation rooms, 12 ACH is required. In standard hospital rooms, a minimum of 6 ACH is required. ACH levels higher than 5 may remove infectious aerosols from a space faster, but the potential benefits should be balanced with the additional upfront cost, and the costs of periodic maintenance, comfort level, and energy costs that will be incurred. While the 5 ACH target is a rate that is likely to be helpful in reducing infectious particles, an optimum number of ACH remains uncertain. Air change can be achieved through any combination of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or devices that augment existing ventilation systems. Aim for 5 or more ACH to help reduce the number of viral particles in the air. ![]() Evidence suggests that air change rates of 4-5 are good, 6 is better and more than 6 is best. ACH refers to the number of times the volume of air in a space is completely replaced per hour. Ventilation air change rate is typically measured in air changes per hour (ACH). It is strongly recommended to optimise ventilation in indoor settings to protect the most vulnerable.įurther information is available at Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare, Optimising ventilation for infection prevention and control in healthcare settings External Link. Poorly ventilated spaces can increase the risk of infectious respiratory particle transmission. ![]() ![]() For more information, visit the department’s Ventilation in the workplace External Link. Ventilation should be considered as part of a group of IPC strategies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in workplaces. Ventilation can also be augmented by filtration. Ventilation of a space can be provided either mechanically (for example, via a centralised heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system or an individual local air conditioning unit) or naturally with passive airflow. Ventilation of indoor spaces provides air that will assist in the dilution and dispersion of smaller particles in the air (for example, dust, pollen and microorganisms) and improve overall air quality.
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