Per OHA and ODE guidance, LOSD has implemented layers of mitigation measures for the health and well being of our learning community. One of those measures is ensuring effective ventilation as outlined by the CDC. Based on our building mechanical systems, air purifiers, and windows cracked open, LOSD is meeting or exceeding standards for patient rooms in hospitals, as recommended by The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The following is how LOSD is meeting that standard:
In the fall of 2021, LOSD engaged mechanical engineers to study how air moves around our classrooms and agreed that HEPA units would provide an added layer of protection on top of all of the other air flow and filtration measures in place. LOSD spent more than $120,000 of our ESSER funds to install HEPA filters in classrooms, offices, healthrooms, breakout spaces, and other spaces in all of our schools. The exact location and type of HEPA units are based on the type of unit currently serving the room. District Facility mechanical distribution was achieved by two ways - unit ventilation and mechanical exhaust, and overhead air distribution. The recommendations for HEPA units include:
Unit Ventilators
Add multiple air purifiers at the midpoint to 2/3 position along the sides of the room pointed toward the front or far end away from the unit ventilators. Doing this for each classroom will provide both air circulation and increased filtration.
Install two air purifiers per classroom if noise levels are acceptable (an approx. 900 ft² classroom).
Overhead Air Distribution
Add an air purifier at the opposite side of the room as the return air grille, pointed toward the interior of the classroom. Doing this for each classroom will provide both air circulation and increased filtration.
In the fall of 2020, prior to students and staff returning for limited in-person instruction, LOSD engaged mechanical engineers to assess air flow and circulation in all of our schools. As a result and since then, LOSD air flow and circulation improvements have included:
HVAC systems have been programmed in all LOSD buildings to provide increased outside air volumes, increased exhaust, and increased frequency of system filter replacement.
Also, ionization units have been installed in all of our schools. The ionization equipment improves indoor air by reducing airborne particles, including odors, viruses and bacteria. The technology produces a high concentration of positive and negative ions into spaces. Within the air stream, ions attach to particles, where they combine, become larger and are more easily filtered from the air. When ions come in contact with pathogens, they disrupt the pathogens’ surface proteins, rendering them inactive. Through the needlepoint bipolar ionization or NPBI® technology, clean indoor air is delivered — producing neither ozone nor other harmful byproducts.
Building air purging will occur prior to occupying each day and during morning/afternoon transition, this process schedules our mechanical equipment to activate and bring in outside air.
Building automation systems have been modified to bring in higher volumes of fresh outside air into occupied spaces. Building exhaust systems have also been programmed to increase exhaust and maintain constant exhaust.