Guidelines to use Air Conditioners issued by Central Public Works Department

The Central Public Works Department has issued guidelines to use air conditioners during COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines have been issued as Air conditioner usages are to increase with the arrival of Summer in the country.

The main objective of the guidelines is to counter the fact use of air conditioners lead to increased spread of COVID-19. The threat of the pandemic can be reduced by following the guidelines

Highlights

The guidelines were prepared by the Indian Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioner Engineers (ISHRAE). The association shared the guidelines with the Central Public Works Department. The CPWD has made necessary changes and has issued to the public.

The Guidelines

According to the guidelines, the ideal temperature to be maintained while operating an air conditioning system is between 24 degree Celsius and 30 Degree Celsius. The relative humidity should be maintained between 40% and 70%. The other guidelines are as follows

• The air-conditioned room should be kept ventilated even when the ACs are not operating
• The commercial and industrial facilities should ventilate with outdoor air
• In order to maintain positive pressure in the space, the mechanical exhaust air shall be 70% to 80% of fresh air quantity.
• The air filters should be cleaned frequently.

It is to be noted that the GoI had recently issued order that every air conditioner should have minimum temperature threshold as 24 degree celsius.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2020