The University of Melbourne has implemented a variety of risk controls to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 on campus, including vaccination, testing and isolation, cleaning and hygiene, and face masks. One of the key measures is ventilation, which works together with these other risk controls to improve the indoor air quality and prevent the spread of the virus through airborne particles.
What is ventilation and why does it matter?
Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh air to indoor spaces and removing stale or contaminated air. Ventilation can be natural, such as opening windows and doors, or mechanical, such as using fans and ducts. Ventilation matters because it can dilute and disperse the concentration of infectious aerosols that may be emitted by people who are infected with COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. These aerosols can remain suspended in the air for hours and travel over long distances, posing a risk of inhalation by others. By increasing the ventilation rate and ensuring the air flow is well distributed, the risk of exposure can be significantly reduced.
How is the University of Melbourne assessing and improving ventilation?
The University of Melbourne has a team of experts who are responsible for assessing and improving the ventilation systems across all campuses and buildings. They use various methods and tools, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, airflow measurements, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, to monitor and evaluate the ventilation performance and identify any areas of concern. They also follow the latest guidance and standards from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Australian Government, and the industry bodies.
Based on the assessment results, the University of Melbourne has implemented several actions to enhance the ventilation, such as:
- Increasing the outdoor air supply and reducing the recirculation of indoor air
- Extending the operating hours and frequency of the ventilation systems
- Installing high-efficiency filters and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices
- Providing portable air purifiers and CO2 monitors for high-risk or poorly ventilated spaces
- Encouraging natural ventilation by opening windows and doors where possible
- Educating and informing the staff and students about the importance of ventilation and how to use the available controls
What are the benefits and challenges of ventilation?
Ventilation is an effective and low-cost intervention that can provide multiple benefits for the health and well-being of the University community, such as:
- Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections
- Improving the indoor air quality and reducing the exposure to pollutants and allergens
- Enhancing the thermal comfort and productivity of the occupants
- Supporting the sustainability and energy efficiency of the buildings
However, ventilation also poses some challenges and limitations, such as:
- Varying the ventilation requirements and conditions depending on the type, size, layout, and occupancy of the spaces
- Balancing the ventilation rate and the indoor temperature and humidity levels
- Maintaining and operating the ventilation systems properly and safely
- Communicating and coordinating with the stakeholders and users
How can you help and what can you expect?
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its staff and students, and ventilation is one of the key measures to achieve this goal. However, ventilation alone is not enough to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and it needs to be combined with other risk controls, such as vaccination, testing and isolation, cleaning and hygiene, and face masks. You can help and protect yourself and others by:
- Getting vaccinated and tested regularly
- Staying home if you have any symptoms or are a close contact of a confirmed case
- Following the hygiene and physical distancing rules
- Wearing a face mask when required or recommended
- Cooperating with the ventilation assessment and improvement activities
- Using the ventilation controls and equipment correctly and responsibly
- Providing feedback and suggestions to the ventilation team
You can expect the University of Melbourne to:
- Continue to monitor and improve the ventilation systems and practices
- Provide clear and timely information and guidance on ventilation
- Support and address any ventilation-related issues or concerns
- Recognize and appreciate your contribution and cooperation
Ventilation matters, and together we can make a difference.
