Multi-Family Buildings

August 31, 2020

Assessing COVID-19 Risk & Reducing Exposure

During these unprecedented times, it can be difficult to wade through all the messages out there regarding reducing airborne exposure in buildings. In many multi-family residential applications, it falls to Home Owner Association and Condo Association Board members, and the Property Managers that they hire, to determine how best to manage and protect the common area spaces, including corridors, lobbies, activities rooms and club houses, shared by all of the Association residents. The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has published guidance for Building Readiness that represent industry best practices for mitigating COVID-19 transmission in the indoor environment, but Board members and Property Managers alike are likely to be left asking: “How do we interpret this, where do we start, and how do we proceed?”

Becht Engineering BT, Inc. is comprised of building design and operation experts, with decades of experience specific to the HOA/COA multi-family environment, who can assist Property Managers with assessing risk and identifying proven filtration, ventilation, and/or sterilization technologies that are most appropriate for the systems and spaces that they are responsible for, as well as providing clear, concise, accurate messaging to the overall resident community as to what steps are being taken to make their buildings safe.
ventilation systems

OUTDOOR AIR VENTILATION

 

The CDC and ASHRAE have recommended increasing outdoor air ventilation rates to aid in dilution of buildings.


We can help facilities personnel determine how to accomplish this, and by how much they can increase without negatively impacting the temperature and humidity control of the building.
filtration equipment

FILTRATION


The CDC and ASHRAE have recommended increasing the level of filtration at air handling units, rooftop units, and other HVAC equipment. This can be accomplished with a range of approaches, from a simple change in filtration media from MERV-8 to MERV-13 or better, to more complex in-the-airstream options. 


We can assist in analyzing the risks and benefits of different technologies, and in determining whether and how they can be deployed with existing equipment while still maintaining appropriate air supply to the building.
uv light

UV LIGHT


The market has grown crowded with GUV, UVGI, UVC, Far-UVC, and other ultraviolet light technologies for surface and air-stream sterilization, but there are significant associated safety considerations. 


We can assist in determining what technologies are most appropriate, and how best to deploy them safely, which requires careful consideration and engineering design.

We can help you sort through all of the marketing propaganda to understand what is real and proven, what is experimental but promising, and what has been de-bunked, so that you can make informed, fact-based decisions for your buildings. Contact one of our professionals today at 800-772-7991 or information@bechtbt.com to assist you with your building safety needs. 

Share