COVID-19 Response
Building Readiness/ Reopening Services Fuss & O’Neill’s multi-disciplined approach offers a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic where we help our clients create a comprehensive strategic plan prior to the re-opening of their buildings and the return to work of their employees.
We have developed a tiered Back to Work Building Readiness program that addresses potential health risks during the re-opening of buildings closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using information from the CDC, EPA, WHO, and ASHRAE, we will work with trusted partners to promote healthy checklists and operations. While we will not provide testing specific to COVID-19, our services include guidance, planning, and assessment services, specific to the facilities operations.
Return to Work Services MEP and IAQ Evaluations
Evaluation and Documentation
The American Society for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
During the execution of the recommissioning process, we can
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Epidemic Task Force
provide observance of plan implementation and compliance.
recommends heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
This may involve some limited IAQ measurements. We will not
systems that have been operated minimally or shut down be
provide testing specific to COVID-19 testing.
inspected, started up, and functionally tested as if for new construction. Furthermore, a decrease in water usage in
Establishment of Strategic Partnerships
buildings closed or with limited access during the pandemic
We can collaborate with our architectural teaming partners and
can increase the risk of bacteria growth in building plumbing
other office planners who can assist with controlling access
and associated equipment.
and social distancing protocols. This can involve minor interior modifications and space planning along with signage.
Implementation of Plans The implementation plans required to recommission the
Our Construction Services division can provide turn-key design/
building may include QA/QC and oversight as well as the
build solutions from program development and education to
engagement of strategic partners to conduct work including
completion through our strategic partnerships with trained and
cleaning and disinfection, repairs etc.
licensed contractors.
Building Readiness Checklist TASK 1: Pre-startup Inspections 1. Participate in a conference call with building owner to gain an understanding of the types of HVAC, plumbing, and building automation systems (BAS) in the building, the operating mode of equipment during the shutdown, as well as Owner’s intended schedule for building re-opening. 2. Review as-built drawings, previous commissioning reports, maintenance logs, if available, in order to tailor a recommissioning checklist that is specific to the building(s) and its systems. 3. Review equipment operating status, active alarms in building management system, if remote access can be granted. 4. Conduct a pre-startup walk-through of the building to review the overall indicator of building health. The inspection typically will include the following: a. Obvious foul odors b. Current/recent mold and/or mildew growth c. Moisture, leaks, and water damage d. Excessive accumulations of dust or pollen e. Pests and potential food sources f. Drain trap maintenance g. Proper storage of chemicals/cleaning agents h. V isual inspection of HVAC equipment and associated hydronic water and air distribution systems i. Visual inspection of outdoor air intakes j. Visual inspection of the main supply and return ducts
k. R eview cooling tower maintenance, per manufacturer’s guidelines and industry best practices. 5. During the inspection, provide building maintenance staff or maintenance contractor with filter replacement or cleaning instructions if needed.
TASK 2: Start-up, Recommissioning, and IAQ 1. Coordinate with building maintenance for equipment startup, provide them with the appropriate equipment settings, and witness building equipment start-up. 2. Work with building maintenance to verify systems are in good condition and functioning properly. 3. Document temperature and humidity readings. 4. Retain a testing and balancing contractor to verify space ventilation rates, and outside airflows are balanced to the original design values.
Building Readiness Checklist (cont)
Additional Considerations
5. Using a combination of BAS and visual inspection to confirm if
1. Review revised building access plans/people routing that may
control valves and actuators are functioning correctly. 6. Verify BAS is in good condition, sensors calibrated and communicating with the BAS, and occupancy schedules, set points, and sequences of operation are functioning. 7. For hot water systems (domestic hot water and heating hot water), operate the systems at a temperature of 140°F for
affect how air flows in the building. 2. Review existing pest management protocols. 3. Food service areas may require review to ensure a proper shut before the building was vacated and inspections are performed prior to start-up of various systems (exhaust systems, grease traps, fire suppression systems, etc.)
several hours (minimum of two) with recirculating pumps
4. Work with the licensed HVAC service providers to address known
operating at full flow. Follow the requirements in ASHRAE
issues of system deficiencies and deferred maintenance items.
Standard 188-2018, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems. 8. For domestic water systems, test systems and outlets as if for a new building. Provide maintenance staff with disinfecting procedure if test results are poor. 9. Flush the domestic water systems thoroughly, chlorinate as needed. 10. Review HVAC programming to provide flushing before and post occupancies.
5. If no routine HVAC operation and maintenance program is in place for the building, one should be developed and implemented. At a minimum, consider including the following: a. Inspection and maintenance of HVAC b. Calibration of HVAC system controls c. HVAC testing and balancing 6. Guidelines from the CDC and ASHRAE recommend a reduction in disease transmission from airborne particles by increasing outdoor air ventilation and filtration efficiency. 7. Evaluate dilution ventilation, exhaust, pressurization, airflow
Task 3: Deliverables
distribution & optimization, mechanical filtration, bi-polar
1. Submit a recommissioning report which will include the
ionization, UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI), and humidity control
following: a. A completed inspection checklist b. Testing and balancing report
to reduce dissemination of infectious aerosols in buildings. These are recommended strategies by ASHRAE. 8. Work with facility managers and building owners to help mitigate
c. A list of remaining maintenance items
the risk of waterborne pathogens, such as Legionella bacteria,
d. Recommendations for the next steps
the cause of Legionnaire’s disease, by developing a water management plan.