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When it comes to reducing the risk of infection , there can be no substitute to regular hand-washing , scrupulous hygiene and cleaning measures at touchpoints . However , there are additional safety measures that schools can introduce to help further minimise the risk of infection transmission .
As part of their COVID-19 guidelines , the UK Government has recommended that schools open windows and doors to maintain good ventilation within their facilities . This is in addition to scientific studies that confirm the availability of sufficient fresh air leads to better levels of productivity compared to people who work in poorly ventilated spaces .
Advanced control of touchpoints is another key area that should be considered by facility managers . While only one person is likely to open a window in a classroom , hundreds – even thousands – of hands are prone to touch doors and their handles every day . Although some internal doors can be kept open to maintain air flow , it ’ s key to remember that strategically placed fire doors should remain closed for safety reasons . Nevertheless , it is not uncommon to see fire doors wedged open in some buildings – a practice that is illegal under UK law . Yet , there are Certifire approved door hardware products
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that can be used safely throughout a school premises , not only keeping fire doors open – thus minimising touch points – but also helping to control air flow and room ventilation .
How Hardware can Aid Airflow
Opening windows and doors through mechanical means is an area that facility managers already understand well . Even more so now , as it receives more attention in the wake of new guidance , including that from HSE , which focuses on improving air quality through good ventilation .
As Professor Jonathan Van Tam , deputy chief medical officer , confirmed in April 2020 during a Government briefing : “ There is a definite truism across all of the science literature that ventilation is a most critical part of reducing transmission from respiratory viruses .”
With the safe reoccupation of educational spaces a priority , what can schools do to improve indoor air quality ( IAQ ) and ensure their classrooms , staff rooms and dining halls have the right balance of ventilation to minimise risk to occupants ?
According to CIBSE guidance , building ventilation helps to create a healthy building as outside air dilutes airborne pathogens . In fact , it is vital to increase the amount of outside air ( OSA ) in
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circulation as it can also reduce the amount of CO2 , which contributes towards poor concentration and headaches . Furthermore , decision makers must also ensure that the outside air flowing into the building has been filtered , heated or cooled , as necessary , to maintain healthy conditions .
Yet , a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is that it is inevitable heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) maintenance will change . As we ease out of lockdown , being mindful of potential outbreaks in the coming months , school building managers will likely be expected to not only ensure that optimum HVAC systems are in place but look towards effective hardware measures .
When considering ventilation , decision makers should consider modern specialised window hardware . By using remote controlled window operations , users can open windows – even those out of reach - with a touch of a button , reducing touchpoints while further improving building ventilation .
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Door safety measures Door hardware is another area where building managers can make a quick and positive |
difference towards the stringent hygiene measures that school buildings must now have in place .
Electromagnetic door controls are linked to a building ’ s alarm system and can be kept in an open position – helping with regular air circulation – until the alarm is sounded . If this happens , they automatically release the open mechanism and firmly close the door , stopping the spread of fire and smoke .
While the doors remain in the open position , it enables freeflow of traffic and safe passage for staff and students , all while providing occupants with a touch-free environment . Ultimate safety measures are required on door controls and building managers should always check to ensure they are Certifire approved to CF738 , are CE marked to EN1155 and compliant to
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EN1634 for fire testing on twohour timber fire doors .
For mechanical door controls to operate effectively in holdopen , they must be paired with an electromagnetic door holder , which legally holds open fire doors during normal operations and release in the event of a fire . The units automatically deactivate to allow the closer to shut the doors .
Safer Learning
As educational building managers look to ensure their premises are as safe as possible , it ’ s clear that a multi-faceted approach is necessary .
Introducing safe hardware control measures is an additional , yet simple , way to maintain ventilation and healthy air flow standards throughout a school building – all while adhering to UK fire and safety laws .
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