S’pore Authorities Issue New Guidelines in Poorly Ventilated Spaces Like Opening Windows

2021-05-26 , 10:23 am

Singaporeans and hot weather simply do not mix. That’s why air-conditioned spaces are a haven for all of us melting in the May heat.

But now, these areas are more dangerous than before.

The authorities have announced that COVID-19 can be spread by virus aerosols in enclosed environments that are poorly ventilated—which includes air-conditioned indoor environments.

Rip to all those who can’t work from home.

New Guidelines

The Building and Construction Agency (BCA), the National Environmental Agency (NEA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) have jointly issued a document outlining the new measures to be taken, in light of the new information about virus transmission.

As mentioned earlier, the virus can be spread by viral aerosols in poorly ventilated, enclosed environments. Thus, “it is critical to mitigate this risk by improving ventilation and air quality in indoor environments,” they said.

Building owners and facility managers will have to undertake varying measures depending on the type of environment they are in, namely:

Air-conditioned spaces with mechanical ventilation
Spaces without mechanical ventilation
Naturally ventilated premises

Air-Conditioned Spaces with Mechanical Ventilation

For operators of this environment, such as shopping malls and office buildings, they should first ensure that the ventilation system is in good working condition.

They should also try to maximise the intake of outdoor air by purging the air at least once a day before the building is occupied. Any indoor air circulation should also be reduced.

Yes, this includes the toilets too. The authorities recommend turning on the exhaust fans to full capacity in areas like restrooms to expel the indoor air.

So, the next time you go to take a shit and avoid work in the process, thank the pandemic for clearing out the smell.

But if your building operator doesn’t abide by the guidelines and yet you can’t smell anything, I think you should go for a swab test.

Spaces without Mechanical Ventilation

In such environments, like retail shops, the authorities urge owners to open up the windows and doors as frequently as possible to circulate the air. Owners should also look into installing window-mounted exhaust fans to make the process more effective.

However, for shops that simply are in an enclosed area, portable air cleaners with high-efficiency filters may be considered as an interim measure. These include premises such as dental clinics or places where COVID-19 patients may be present.

Naturally Ventilated Premises

Similarly, those in charge of naturally ventilated environments like coffee shops and dormitories should also keep the doors and windows open as much as possible, with outward-facing fans installed to increase air exchange.

In addition, they should check other systems to make sure there is no undesired air leakage into occupied spaces.

Public Transport

Despite all these measures, I’m sure that what irks Singaporeans the most is the fact that it’s impossible to socially distance yourself from other commuters during the morning rush.

However, according to a study conducted last year by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, buses and trains are well-ventilated.

Apparently, the air in trains is exchanged every six minutes through the ventilation system and when the doors open and close. This is the same for public buses, on top of being ventilated at the interchanges when their doors remain open.

Of course, the new guidelines are not going to completely stop the spread. Operators of public spaces should still continue to practice safe management measures such as regularly disinfecting high-touch points, abide by safe distancing regulations and wear masks.

“The ventilation systems, combined with stepped-up cleaning and disinfection regimes—as well as commuters’ observing the strict discipline of wearing good efficiency masks and not talking—will minimise commuters’ exposure to the virus,” the authorities added.

Yes, masks still help; watch this video to the end and you’ll understand:

Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)