Government and industry guidance (CIBSE and HSE) is encouraging us to maximise fresh air ventilation in our efforts to continually mitigate the risks of COVID-19, and other airborne viruses such as flu, as far as reasonably practicable. The guidance lays out high level principles, and recommendations, which have been incorporated below, but cannot apply distinct rules due to the fact each industry, organisation and building has its own requirements.
Our estate comprises a range of facilities and buildings, each with their own characteristics, as well as individual requirements from users. The principles laid out below are to help inform decision making which accounts for reasonably practical working environments as well as reducing the risk from airborne viruses. The winter months can be concerning for many of our community and we must all continue to show care and respect for one another as we make these decisions.
When in a space which is naturally ventilated through the opening of windows, we should adopt the following principles:
- Windows should be open at least 15 minutes prior to room occupation. To facilitate this please ensure you leave meeting room windows open when you leave so the air can refresh ahead of the next use of the room.
- Where possible, keep windows open:
- Opening a window even to a small degree will aid ventilation. Particularly in winter, when air moves more quickly between the warmer indoors and cooler outdoors.
- If it is not possible to keep the windows open, and the space becomes too cold, then opening the windows for five minutes every 20 minutes will help the air refresh.
- If you have windows at different heights, opening the top windows will help the airflow but avoid drafts.
- If you have several windows at the same level, opening diagonally opposite windows will limit the cold but still provide airflow.
- Building users should avoid sitting directly next to open windows, as this may subject them to draughts and places them in the airstream of air leaving the room.
- Office managers may wish to consider seating plans that avoid using desks that are immediately next to open windows.
- Scheduling periods of unoccupied time in meeting rooms, and leaving doors and windows open at these times will allow rooms to air out between uses.
- Some rooms will be colder due to windows being open, please consider bringing an additional layer of warm clothing.
