Appliedair supporting Melbourne businesses during Covid
This COVID-19 resource page provides useful information to building owners and managers.
Appliedair is working with our clients, service providers and suppliers to ensure that we continue to deliver our services safely and effectively. We are continually monitoring the situation around COVID-19, have a resilient Business Continuity Plan in place to ensuring that we continue to operate effectively and closely managing our organisation to assure the wellbeing of our personnel and service providers.
Appliedair assures you of our continued service support for all our current and new clients.
How can HVAC systems be modified to reduce the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission?
Aerosol transmission has emerged as a viable COVID-19 infection mechanism – very small particles carrying the virus – emitted by infected people breathing – hanging in the air possibly for hours – being pushed around by air flows in rooms – potentially being drawn into recirculating HVAC systems – possibly being reintroduced into occupied areas.
What role can HVAC play in the transmission of COVID-19?
Published research on healthcare ventilation systems and scenarios suggests that the transmission of droplets containing viral material is possible in these situations. It is thought to be less likely in a well-designed and properly maintained typical HVAC system in a public setting.
How do indoor conditions including humidity affect transmission?
Humidity levels in indoor environments can play a key role in infection control. Modifications to existing HVAC systems can be made to improve the ability to regulate the space humidity.
What will happen with the buildings NABER’s rating?
NABERS have released information to assessors and building owners on how NABERS ratings will be affected by COVID-19. This has been developed into a readily accessible FAQ format to assist building owners, facility managers and NABERS Assessors.
Is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in HVAC systems an effective inactivation method for viruses?
Appropriate use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in HVAC systems has been proven as an effective inactivation method for mould, bacteria and viruses, reducing the source of Healthcare-Associated Infections and a reduction of airborne microorganisms. This Advisory Note provides a basic understanding of UVGI and its applications
What are the key issues in returning to operation from COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 situation buildings experienced significantly reduced occupancy with some being completely vacated. Building services systems have seen reduced operation and some have been turned off. Ramping up or starting systems after a protracted shut down, especially those that are large, complex and interdependent, requires care.
How can security technology play a key role in how we manage a safe and healthy indoor environment?
With the return of people to buildings after the COVID19 period, a new way of thinking will need to be adopted to ensure building access control systems align to occupant health while continuing to maintain building security. Adaptations and enhancements to security technology will play a key role in how we maintain and manage the balance between a safe and healthy environment and still maintaining a secure building.
Can buildings services be turned off with low occupancy? What are the issues?
Completely shutting down mechanical and HVAC, fire protection and electrical systems for a protracted period and then restarting, particularly large and complex systems, can cause a number of serious problems. The cost and implications of shutting down and starting up may outweigh any advantages.
We are worried about the cooling towers?
Many buildings are experiencing significantly reduced occupancy in the COVID-19 situation and building operators are seeking opportunities to reduce costs during this period. Reducing operation or shutting down HVAC systems is an option that can be considered. Many HVAC systems rely upon Cooling Tower Systems for heat rejection. There are strict regulatory requirements for the ownership and operation of Cooling Tower Systems throughout Australia to project protect public health from the risk of Legionnaires Disease. Completely shutting down mechanical and HVAC systems including Cooling Tower Systems for a protracted period and then restarting, particularly large and complex systems, can cause a number of serious problems. The cost and implications of shutting down and starting up may outweigh any advantages. It is important that the management and operation of cooling towers be carefully considered as a part of an overall in any change of HVAC system strategic plan.
COVID-19 SAFE PLAN FOR APPLIED
AIRCONDITIONING STAGE 4 FOR SITE
ATTENDANCE
Employee Hygiene
All employees of Applied Airconditioning have been supplied with disposable
medical grade facemasks.
All cloth facemasks are washed on a daily basis
Disposable gloves are supplied and carried in all vehicles
Hand sanitizer is supplied and carried in Applied Air Vehicles
Travelling to Site and vehicle cleanliness
All employees have been issued with and will carry with them the Permitted
Work Permit as issued on the Victorian Government Website.
A travel log has been issued for the employee to fill out as required to
accompany the Work Permit
Any Tradesmen accompanied by an apprentice in the vehicle will wear a
facemask or shield at all times.
All company vehicles will be wiped down throughout the day to maintain
cleanliness eg: steering wheel, doors and handles, seats
Attendance at site
All tradesmen will keep the minimum 1.5 metre distance from others at site
All employees will wear a Facemasks or shield at all times
Customers are not currently required to sign paperwork but are required to
give their details to the technician for them to record
Any equipment required for use at site will be sprayed with a commercial
grade disinfectant prior to and after use
The maximum number of Applied Air staff at any given time on site has been
reduced to 2
19th March 2020
Notice from Applied Airconditioning Servicing to our Staff and
Customers. We are currently implementing a proactive company
approach for the control of COVID-19 infection for all our staff
and customers in accordance with the guidelines advised by the
Australian Government.
Business Continuity:
We have undertaken a review of our business operations to ensure the ongoing
health and welfare of all staff while at the same time ensuring continuity of
services to our customers.
What Employees should do:
Avoid contact with others
(eg: shaking hands, hugging and any other
physical contact) as advised by the Australian Government
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer
Cough or Sneeze into a tissue (dispose of immediately) otherwise into
your elbow.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
If you feel at risk at any stage please make sure you wear your P2 Mask
and gloves.
If you feel you have any symptoms please notify the office and selfisolate immediately.
TEST