COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice for the UQ community - HEALTH - ventilation

Monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) is conducted on a day and time when the space is at (or close to) usual occupancy, to evaluate the capacity of the ventilation in regular conditions.

A short report containing results will be provided to the relevant area manager, and if CO2 measurement is greater than 1000 ppm, a review of ventilation and filters in the space will be undertaken.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted through the air encapsulated in respiratory droplets and aerosols, which can be inhaled by another person. The probability of exposure is reduced when adequate ventilation dilutes the aerosols with fresh air and carries them out of the room

Proper ventilation also reduces surface contamination by removing some particles before they can fall to a surface. A key goal of monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) in shared spaces is to determine and prioritise where ventilation may need to be improved

Proper ventilation also reduces surface contamination by removing some particles before they can fall to a surface. A key goal of monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) in shared spaces is to determine and prioritise where ventilation may need to be improved.

UQ’s mechanical indoor ventilation systems have been designed to comply with standards set by the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standard (AS) 1668.2 (2012) Mechanical Ventilation in Buildings.

Due to the mixed age of UQ buildings, these systems vary in their design and performance but should be capable of maintaining carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations below 1000 ppm.

For more information on UQ work and teaching spaces ventilation here.

All UQ mechanical ventilation systems are equipped with filters that meet the requirements of Australian air filter standards and requirements for ‘high efficiency particulate air’ (HEPA) filters where necessary and the University follows a strict testing and replacement regime.

HEPA filters are used mainly in laboratories and in other special applications as governed by the NCC and AS 2243 Safety in Laboratories requirements and Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) guidelines for containment.

This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97 per cent of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria, and airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

Not all UQ air-handling systems are designed to move air through higher rated filters (i.e., the system fan may not be able to move enough air through a thicker filter than it was designed for)

If this is the case, the highest rated filter suitable for the system is used.

An ongoing audit of filters began in December 2021 to identify options to improve air filters where possible.

Filters may also be reviewed based on results of carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring.

Increasing the amount of outside air delivered by the mechanical ventilation system, by itself, is not enough to protect people from COVID-19 and can lead to increased humidity and mould growth within the space.

When used along with other best practices, good ventilation can greatly reduce the airborne transmission of the virus.

Contact your local health, safety and wellness coordinator in your organisational unit or the Health, Safety and Wellness Division on hsw@uq.edu.au.