N10: ASHRAE Standard 241: IH Control of Infectious Aerosols

Greater Columbus Convention Center 

Room: A 125 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

This presentation will focus on the development and implementation of the new ASHRAE Standard 241, Controls of Infectious Aerosols. In particular, it will highlight those provisions of the standard that directly, or indirectly, effect the role of IHs in the reduction, and elimination of infectious aerosols in commercial and public buildings, schools, and dwellings. Airborne transmission of communicable diseases occurs when a susceptible person inhales a sufficient number of active pathogens to cause an infection (i.e., an infectious dose). Engineering controls (e.g., dilution ventilation, filtration, and air disinfection) can reduce the concentration of active pathogens in the air, which tends to reduce infection risk. Although engineering controls are an important element of a well-designed risk management plan, they alone cannot completely eliminate risk and may not be as effective as other mitigation measures. Inadequate control of indoor exposures has been demonstrated to contribute to elevated risk. So it is important to strike a balance between control measures that create high risk reduction and those that provide diminishing returns. For the past century, explicit airborne infection risk management requirements have been absent from indoor air quality (IAQ) standards. The exception has been standards for healthcare facilities and laboratories. This education session will outline the best practices for engineers and health and safety practitioners.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Use best practices for specific controls in buildings to reduce infectious aerosols.
• Determine the requirements of the applicable ventilation and indoor air quality standards.
• Review the provisions in Standard 241.
• Evaluate the importance of the requirements for infection risk management.
• Assess, plan, and implement infection risk reduction measures in existing buildings. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Consulting

Engineering

Office Environment

Services

Also part of the Virtual Program

Available as part of AIHA CONNECT OnDemand

Biosafety/Microbiology

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Engineering Controls and Ventilation