RACA Journal August 2020 | Page 55

Industry matters JC LOOKS AT HVAC SOLUTIONS TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF VIRUSES AND DISEASES The COVID-19 pandemic has gripped the world, with focus now turned to the control and prevention of the spread of the coronavirus. People around the world have been urged to avoid crowded areas and stay at home to control and minimise the spread of the disease. While many people believe that the prevention of infection with the coronavirus (Covid-19), is requiring them to take health and hygiene precautions only when they are outside their homes; it is essential to point out that there are other factors – apart from health and hygiene – that are unknown to some in commercial and residential buildings, as well as other public crowded closed areas, which may cause infection transmission. Thus, precautionary measures are keen to close such areas, prevent crowds, and urge individuals to avoid any kind of gatherings, and be safe inside their homes. Among the aforementioned factors, are those associated with the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) from HVAC systems inside the public closed areas. Maher H. Mousa, director of Product Management, Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Policy, Al Salem Johnson Controls, says, “When we think about pollutants, we often think about those found outside, whether in the air, on the ground, or in the water, even though IAQ is just as vital to our everyday lives and health, and the pollutants found inside building and public closed areas should concern us just as much, if not more, especially these days when the world is faced with the challenge of fighting the spread of the COVID-19 and other diseases.” Using the right procedure for the maintenance of the equipment has a huge impact in eliminating any potential microbial growth in the HVAC unit and the air delivered by it. www.hvacronline.co.za RACA Journal I August 2020 53