ASHRAE Completes Draft of First-Ever Pathogen Mitigation Standard

ASHRAE has completed the first draft of its standard for maintaining healthy indoor air quality, with final approval expected in June and publishing anticipated in July.

The committee developing the standard is seeking comments on the normative portions of the standard. The public review draft is posted and comments can be made through May 26 at osr.ashrae.org.

ASHRAE Standard 241P, Control of Infectious Aerosols provides minimum requirements for HVAC-related measures to reduce the risk of transmission of airborne viruses in hospitals and other buildings during periods of high risk. The standard will address long-range transmission of infectious aerosols and provides minimum requirements for:

• Equivalent outdoor air (combined effect of ventilation, filtration and air cleaning) for use during Infection Risk Mitigation Mode
• Room air distribution to reduce risk
• Characterization of filter and air cleaner effectiveness and safety
• Commissioning, including development and implementation of a Building Readiness Plan
• System operation in Infection Risk Mitigation Mode during periods of high risk
• Maintenance tasks and their minimum frequency
• Residences and healthcare facilities