In emergency situations, such as outbreaks of life-threatening diseases, epidemics or even pandemics, urgent action must be taken to inhibit the spread of the disease and its transmitters.
Contamination Control
Clean room filtration, HEPA filters and Air cleanersThe coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has certainly grabbed the attention of the world, governments and financial markets. Let's take a look at what the virus is, how it is spread and what we can do to help control the virus. For latest information and warnings you can check the World Health Organization and other relevant authorities to keep abreast.
Use HEPA FILTRATION to catch all airborne droplet nuclei
- HEPA filters are tested and rated by their performance at retaining particles at the most penetrating particle size (MPPS) i. e. 99.95% for H13 HEPAs and 99.995% for H14 acc. to EN 1822.
This means that HEPA filters will remove any solid or liquid particle from the air with an efficiency of at least 99.95 %
- Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 also often attach themselves to larger particles well within the focus of HEPA filters.
HEPA filtration should be a key part of your infection control strategy if it’s appropriate to your building.
Use portable air cleaners
- they can provide additional air cleaning capabilities for buildings without any high efficiency filtration system
- Make sure to use high quality products with good filters. Low quality air cleaners can do more harm than good by creating a turbulent air flow while contributing little cleaning power
- dilution with fresh air should still be prioritized
- place the device as close as possible to your location, so you breathe the actual filtered air. The larger the distance to the AP, the higher the chance to inhale swirling contaminants which could include viruses.
- Activated carbon stage can remove hazardous gases released by cleaning agents (avoiding side effects from additional cleaning activity).
Reduce the risk of infection with professional HEPA filters and air purification systems
Increase efficiency without sacrificing air flow
- increasing dilution with fresh outside air is most important
- use the same filter classes as generally recommended (e.g. at least ISO ePM1 50% with an ISO ePM10 pre-filter stage)
- maintain normal filter change intervals
- disable air re-circulation entirely or reduce it to a minimum
- if necessary increase fresh air dilution by frequently opening windows
- higher energy consumption should not be the main concern during these times
Filter Maintenance and removal
Check that all filters are operating effectively. And, when it’s time to change filters, take care not to release any viruses that have collected on the filter media into the internal environment – remembering that SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to several days on surfaces. Dispose of any contaminated waste according to the guidelines in your location.
