Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association Publishes New HVAC Guidelines for Restoring Occupancy of Existing Buildings

Restoring occupancy of existing buildings that were shut down due to the COVID-19 virus or other reasons must be performed with strict safety procedures to mitigate the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2.

As such, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association has released “SMACNA Technical Resources Bulletin: HVAC COVID-19 Guidance.” It can be downloaded at smacna.org. The bulletin places a specific emphasis on building HVAC systems. Guidelines from the CDC to wear a face covering, to remain at least six feet apart from other people and to wash hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds) throughout the day are also very important.

SMACNA’s guidelines address the following:

• Ventilation rates
• Filtration
• HVAC equipment
• Owners
• Project management
• Other considerations
• Testing, adjusting and balancing
• Indoor air quality