One of the tools in fighting the spread of COVID-19 is ventilation. The Facilities Department has reviewed all occupied spaces on campus with the goal of providing each person working and teaching on campus with the best ventilation possible. The College follows CDC guidance to provide the optimal ventilation in buildings with air handling units: increasing the amount of fresh air to a space, good filtration (ie. use of MERV 13), and providing at least four air changes per hour with 100 percent outside air (as conditions allow) when buildings are open. The Facilities Department also has technicians that manage and maintain building systems and has a preventative maintenance program.
Here is some information and tips for users in managing the air in your space.
Buildings with Air Handling Units
An air handling unit (AHU) is designed to provide fresh air and air exchange to designated spaces in buildings. To determine the size of an AHU, several items are taken into account such as volume of space served, the use of a space and the maximum number of people using a space. Optimally, these spaces should be used with windows and doors closed when occupied. This allows the AHU to function as designed.
Buildings on campus with AHU’s:
Alumnae Hall, Clapp Library, Collins, Davis Museum, Green Hall, Houghton Chapel, Jewett, Lulu Campus Center, Pendleton East and West, Schneider, Science Center, Service Building, Sports Center, Weaver House, Wellesley College Club, Whitin Observatory.
Building on campus with AHUs serving particular spaces:
Founders (120, 121, 126, 128, 225, 227 classrooms)
Other Mechanical Systems
Other types of mechanical systems in our buildings are fan coil units (FCU). These types of units cool or heat the air in the space but do not bring in fresh air. There are some spaces with boilers and forced hot air or electric heat. In this situation, opening windows is the best way to keep air fresh in the space. Keeping them open, even a crack, is helpful. Facilities has checked rooms and windows on campus to ensure occupants can safely open a window for air circulation.
Buildings on campus with other mechanical systems:
All residence halls, Acorns, Billings, Boathouse, Cheever, Child Study Center, Continuing Ed, Distribution Center, Harambee House, Nehoiden House, Physical Plant, Shakespeare House, Simpson, Slater, Stone Center, TZE, Waban House, and ZA House.
There are some spaces on campus where there are no AHU or available windows and are occupied by more than one person. These spaces have been provided with portable HEPA units that clean the air and provide similar air changes per hour as the AHUs. Facilities has created instructions on how to use the HEPA units. HEPA units are not installed in common areas in academic buildings (kitchens, copy areas, etc.) or restrooms as these areas will not be occupied for long periods of time.
If the air filtration system is not working in your space, your window does not open, or you have a problem with the portable HEPA unit, please submit a service request. For general questions and information, please contact Suzanne Howard, director of environmental health and safety.