Back to Mac: Utility Services assessing and upgrading campus ventilation systems

As McMaster’s Facility Services prepares campus for the return of more students, staff and faculty members in the Fall of 2021, safety measures are guided by Public Health and the latest scientific research.

The Utility Services team manages ventilation systems on campus and are featured on the Back to Mac website detailing the ventilation plan for Fall 2021. Nathaniel Pirocchi, HVAC controls mechanic, is pictured in the article assessing part of the ventilation system in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning.

As part of McMaster’s ventilation plan, the Utility Services team is assessing and making any required updates to the ventilation systems in buildings on campus. The plan involves:

• Maximizing fresh air and keeping air recirculation at a minimum in all buildings.
• Inspecting lecture halls and classrooms to ensure these spaces meet ASHRAE design standards for ventilation requirements.ASHRAE is the recognized society in North America that provides a standards and guidelines for ventilation and indoor air quality.
• Installing high standard air filters (called MERV-13 air filters) in all buildings where air is recirculated before in-person learning begins. A MERV 13 filter has a higher capture efficiency than a normal filter and can help remove finer particles from the air that recirculates through the system. Filters will also be replaced more frequently. 

Evidence indicates that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted by droplets and aerosols in the air, and this information is top of mind when it comes to the university’s indoor ventilation plans. 

Learn more about how Facility Services team members are preparing for returning to campus, as well as up to date updates from McMaster University related to COVID-19, on the Back to Mac website.