City now equipped with machine to measure air sufficiency vs. Covid

City sanitation inspectors are now aided by technology in determining areas at risk for coronavirus disease  (COVID-19) transmission due to poor air circulation.

The Sanitation Division of the City Health Services Office under Engr. Charles Bryan Carame now has its own thermal anemometer that can measure the air change flow in schools, offices, business establishments and industries.

The team tested the machine out for the first time at the University of the Cordilleras College of Engineering and Architecture where three rooms were assessed in preparation for face-t0-face classes.  All rooms passed the standard air change per hour (ACH) rate for COVID-19 of 12 ACH.

Carame said the machine determines the sufficiency or insufficiency of air circulation in a place in terms of ACH.  Air change readings that are within the standard are not at risk for virus transmission.

He said the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standard is 8 ACH but experts say 12 ACH is required for a COVID-free room.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong pursued the purchase of the equipment as additional aid and guidance in improving its health and safety rules as well as those of establishments in adopting engineering interventions to remedy the problem and ensure the health and safety of their employees.

The city had stressed the importance of having proper ventilation in preventing the spread of the virus which can be achieved by opening windows and doors, removing curtains and using electric fans.

Businesses lacking in ventilation were also encouraged to adopt remedial measures or do necessary structural changes if possible to ensure that they can have proper aeration systems in their spaces. – Aileen P. Refuerzo