Will air-conditioning spread COVID?

Among the anxiety and bewilderment, a number of claims have circulated on the internet, one of which is that the coronavirus can be transmitted by air conditioning. This allegation has about as much credibility as the random ‘self-proclaimed health professional' on Facebook who is doing everything they can to create fear.

Let's get one thing out of the way first. There have been no cases or links between air conditioning in Katoomba and the spread of the Coronavirus, according to current findings at the time of writing this article.

• How is Coronavirus spread?

COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact. This occurs when a person comes into touch with an infected person's respiratory secretions through coughing or sneezing. It necessitates close contact with persons who have been in close quarters with an infected person for at least 15 minutes or have been in the same closed space with an infected person for at least 2 hours.

Technically, the only way for the virus to spread through an air conditioner is if someone was shouting and speaking and making water droplets, which are normally heavy and would not travel far enough to penetrate ventilation systems or air conditioning units.

With this in mind, recent notes by The Australian Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning explore that the virus may interact with air conditioning systems in Katoomba and that steps should be taken to reduce its spread.

Huge droplets are normally too large to stay suspended in the air and fall and rest on surfaces, according to a spokesperson from A.G. Coombs Advisory. Fluid can evaporate in some cases, transforming huge droplets into smaller particles that remain suspended in the air. This is then assumed to enter air conditioning systems.

However, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) — “NO infectious virus related to COVID-19 has been captured or recovered in air sampling. This would have to happen in order to show and validate if the virus was an airborne form that could easily spread through HVAC systems."

To put it another way, Coronavirus is not currently spreadable through your air conditioning system in Katoomba. However, to limit the risk of the virus spreading, the proper precautions must be performed.

• How to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace:

To protect everyone's safety, the government has implemented tight procedures to prevent the deadly virus from spreading in the workplace. You may find all of the Department of Health's suggested workplace measures here.

In relation to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and controlling the global COVID-19 epidemic, SafeWork NSW has provided clear advice and guidance on how building managers should address their air conditioning systems in Katoomba.

• Inspect ventilation and air conditioning systems:

Employers should seek confirmation from their building owner that the air conditioning system is properly designed and maintained:

• All internal spaces should be well ventilated and if possible, fresh air should be allowed to flow.

• At this stage, for offices and similar environments, there is no recommendation to install special air filters to air conditioning systems.

• Regular cleaning and disinfection are crucial to minimising the risk to all room occupants to the exposure of harmful pathogens.

• For HVAC systems:

Based on the facts provided above, the probability of Coronavirus transmission through a routinely and well-maintained HVAC system in a big commercial setting is extremely low. 

To further limit the danger from air conditioning systems in Katoomba, all building managers, owners, and operators must adopt the following preventative actions for all HVAC systems:

• HVAC systems are properly commissioned and operating correctly.

• Internal humidity must be maintained within the range of 40-60% relative humidity.

• Audit of AC system filtration system, general cleanliness and current air filtration type. Replacing filters to F7- F9 grade in relation to fan capacity limitations. 

• Regular cleaning and disinfection of the system. Includes changing air filters, cooling and heating coil surfaces cleaned and disinfected, as well as induction units and chilled beams.

According to the Australian Government, all employers and building managers in commercial settings should be practising general office sanitisation and preventative techniques in the workplace immediately:

• If you're sick, stay at home.

• Stop handshaking as a greeting

• Hold meetings via video conference or phone call

• Large meetings should be postponed

• If possible, hold important meetings outside in the open air. Encourage proper hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and supply hand sanitizers for all employees.

• Avoid touching your face

• Instead of going to the lunchroom, eat your lunch at your desk or outside.

• Tables, drawers, cabinets, door handles, keyboards, mice, and monitors should all be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.

• For better airflow, consider opening windows and regulating the air conditioning.

• Food handling and sharing should be limited in the workplace.

• Non-essential business travel should be reconsidered.

• Encourage food preparation personnel and their close contacts to maintain the highest levels of hygiene.

• Examine whether huge events may be rescheduled, staggered, or cancelled.

• What you can do at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through proper care for air conditioning systems in Katoomba:

The Department of Health has produced a list of recommendations to assist prevent the spread of germs at home:

• As previously said, maintain proper hand and sneeze/cough hygiene.

• Handshakes should be avoided.

• Keep your hands away from your face.

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like tables, kitchen benches, toilet buttons, doorknobs, TV remotes, keyboards, mice, and monitors, as well as vehicle steering wheels, handbrakes, gear sticks, and handles, on a regular basis.

• By opening windows or regulating the air conditioner, you may improve ventilation in your home.

• Consider whether individual and family outings and travel are appropriate and required.

• For air conditioning systems at home:

By capturing dirt, dust, allergies, and other pollutants like pollen and germs, air filters help circulate clean air through your home's heating and cooling systems. If left unattended over an extended period of time, they become clogged and absorb moisture, allowing mould to form. This is then recirculated into your lungs. As a result, it's critical to clean your air conditioner and air filters on a regular basis to preserve healthier air quality, especially in the face of the deadly COVID-19.

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