INSIGHT
COMBATING THE SPREAD
OF COVID-19 WITH TROX
By Michael Young, sales engineer, Trox
The spread of COVID-19 is on the front page of every newspaper around
the world.
It is the main headline in every news bulletin and is the most
discussed topic at the moment. This virus has managed to bring
economies to a standstill and caused millions around to world to
go into self-isolation.
The fight against COVID-19 needs to be performed under
a controlled environment as specified by the World Health
Organisation (WHO). Specimens from patients need to be
obtained in a facility that conforms to a biosafety level of 2.
Once the specimen is collected, it is packaged and shipped
to a laboratory where the specimen undergoes a nucleic acid
amplification test also termed an NAAT test. These tests also to
be performed in a laboratory that is rated at biosafety level 2.
Biosafety level 2 states that provision of a mechanical
ventilation system that provides an inward flow of air without
recirculation is desirable but not compulsory. High-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filtration for exhausted air is also not
compulsory.
The main fight against the virus occurs not in the testing but in
specialised laboratories where the virus is cultivated and studied.
The goal is to understand the behaviour of the virus and then
develop a possible vaccine.
These specialised laboratories require inward directional
flow and need to comply with a biosafety standard level 3. The
ventilation system for this laboratory must be constructed so that
the air is all contained within this area.
Air from the laboratory may not be allowed to migrate to
other areas of the building. The ventilation system serving this
laboratory must be of a high efficiency particulate grade (HEPA)
and must recondition the air to the desired temperature.
Any exhaust air from the laboratory (other than from
biological safety cabinets) can be discharged to the outside of the
building and must be dispersed away from occupied buildings
and air intakes. Depending on the agents in use, this air may be
discharged through HEPA filters.
The HVAC system should also prevent sustained positive
pressurisation of the laboratory and must be constructed
complete with audible or clearly visible alarms to notify personnel
of any HVAC system failure.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer
The HVAC system for a laboratory that combats COVID-19
needs to fulfil the following functions:
• The system needs to filtrate the air to requirements as
specified by WHO.
• It needs to condition the air as per the specified
requirements.
• It needs to control the exhaust airflow from fume hoods.
• It needs to control the room supply and exhaust air
flowrates.
• It needs to maintain the correct room air pressure.
• It needs to be mobile so help can be transported to
infected areas.
• It needs to have audible and visual alarms, so personnel
are notified of HVAC system failure.
Such an HVAC system is more than just the installation of a hybrid
VRF AHU. Such a system requires an EASYLAB control system
that modulates airflow according to testing procedures, room
pressurisation and sound attenuation management.
So, if you design HVAC systems for the laboratory sector of
the industry, we strongly recommend that you attend our free
1-hour laboratory airflow management course. Seats will be
limited to 20 people so call 073 17 123 11 now to reserve your spot.
Since this is training is a webinar, there is no chance of contracting
COVID-19. RACA
The HVAC system for a laboratory that combats COVID-19 needs to
fulfil certain functions.
www.hvacronline.co.za RACA Journal I August 2020 17