By HFT Staff

As the world continues to grapple with a resurgence of COVID-19, along with the flu and RSV, the importance of clean air flow in buildings has never been more critical. Now, ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols is empowering building owners, operators and professionals to proactively protect indoor environments during this fall and winter virus season. 

ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of airborne aerosol transmission, such as the SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, the flu virus and other pathogens in buildings like single and multi-family homes, offices, schools and healthcare facilities. Published in June, Standard 241 is the first consensus-based, code enforceable standard of its kind, having the potential for adoption at the federal level for all buildings. 

ASHRAE Standard 241 provides comprehensive guidance on the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of HVAC systems to control the spread of infectious aerosols. The standard also includes recommendations for ventilation rates, filtration and air cleaning technologies, along with a building readiness plan that documents procedures for assessing existing or new HVAC systems to determine if they are working properly.