Protecting Indoor Air Quality from Wildfires: Aligning with New ASHRAE Guidelines

Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, posing significant threats to people’s health and safety. Wildfire smoke is loaded with particulate matter (PM2.5) and can infiltrate buildings, impacting indoor air quality (IAQ) and jeopardizing occupant health. To address this critical issue, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers published Guideline 44: Protecting Building Occupants from Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events. This comprehensive document provides valuable guidance for building owners, operators and facility managers on mitigating the risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Key Takeaways:

• HVAC System Optimization:
  • Upgrade to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to capture fine particulate matter.
  • Regularly maintain and clean HVAC systems, including frequent filter changes.
• Air Quality Monitoring:
  • Implement proactive monitoring of indoor air quality parameters, including PM2.5.
  • Utilize real-time data to inform operational decisions and trigger appropriate responses.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Develop and implement emergency response plans, including procedures for building closures and occupant notifications.
  • Establish clear communication protocols with occupants.

Leveraging Technology: Room Alert and Compliance with ASHRAE

To effectively implement and maintain compliance with ASHRAE Guideline 44, facilities managers can leverage advanced technologies, such as Room Alert environment monitoring. Room Alert monitors provide real-time data on critical environmental parameters, including temperature, humidity, heat index, air quality and more. By using alongside existing building management systems (BMS), Room Alert can:

• Enhance data-driven decision making: Provide historical data on indoor air quality trends, allowing for informed adjustments to building operations and maintenance procedures.
• Facilitate compliance with ASHRAE guidelines: Ensure continuous monitoring of critical parameters and provide documentation to demonstrate compliance with relevant standards.

By adhering to the recommendations outlined in ASHRAE Guideline 44 and leveraging advanced technologies like Room Alert, facilities managers can significantly enhance their ability to protect indoor air quality during wildfire events. This proactive approach not only safeguards the health and well-being of building occupants but also demonstrates a commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and compliance with industry best practices.

Ready to Safeguard your Indoor Air Quality & Ensure ASHRAE Compliance?

Check out our Indoor Air Quality Monitor and explore how Room Alert can empower you to create a healthier and safer indoor environment for your occupants!