Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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2.
HVAC Maintenance staff training
. Periodic
training of HVAC maintenance staff in
system operation and maintenance should be
conducted. This training should include the
procedures to be followed in the event of a
suspected CBR agent release. Training should
also cover health and safety aspects for main-
tenance personnel, as well as the potential
health consequences to occupants of poorly
performing systems. Development of current,
accurate HVAC diagrams and HVAC system
labeling protocols should be addressed. These
documents can be of great value in the event
of a CBR release.
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3.
Preventive maintenance and procedures
.
Procedures and preventive maintenance
schedules should be implemented for cleaning
and maintaining ventilation system compo-
nents. Replacement filters, parts, and so forth
should be obtained from known manufac-
turers and examined prior to installation.
It is important that ventilation systems be
maintained and cleaned according to the
manufacturer's specifications. To do this
requires information on HVAC system perfor-
mance, flow rates, damper modulation and
closure, sensor calibration, filter pressure
loss, filter leakage, and filter change-out
recommendations. These steps are critical to
ensure that protection and mitigation systems,
such as particulate filtration, operate as
intended.
further protection. A building security assessment
should be done to determine the necessity of addi-
tional measures. Some items, such as improved
maintenance and HVAC system controls, may
also provide a payback in operating costs and/or
improved building air quality. As new building
designs or modifications are considered, designers
should consider that practical CBR sensors may
soon become available. Building system design
features that are capable of incorporating this
rapidly evolving technology will most likely offer
a greater level of protection.
While it is not possible to completely eliminate
the risk of a CBR terrorist attack, several measures
can be taken to reduce the likelihood and conse-
quences of such an attack. Many of the recom-
mendations presented here are ones that can be
implemented reasonably quickly and cost effec-
tively. Many are applicable to both new construc-
tion and existing buildings, although some may
be more feasible than others. Building owners and
managers should assess buildings by looking first
for those items that are most vulnerable and can
be addressed easily. Additional measures should
be implemented as feasible. The goals are to make
your building an unattractive target for a CBR
attack and to maximize occupant protection in the
event that such an attack occurs.
For Additional Information
Several organizations have developed guidance to
assist building owners and operators in addressing
issues related to building security and CBR terrorist
attacks. Many other organizations have guidance
that addresses security needs and disaster response
plans for events such as fire, natural disasters, and
bomb threats. While this latter guidance may not
specifically address the terrorist threat to HVAC
systems, readers may find portions of the informa-
tion beneficial in establishing their own building's
emergency response plans.
The following list is not all-inclusive. Available
guidance is updated regularly as additional orga-
nizations and evolving technologies identify new
protective recommendations.
Conclusions
Reducing a building's vulnerability to an airborne
chemical, biological, or radiological attack requires
a comprehensive approach. Decisions concerning
which protective measures to implement should
be based upon the threat profile and a security
assessment of the building and its occupants. While
physical security is the first layer of defense,
other issues must also be addressed. Preventing
possible terrorist access to outdoor air intakes and
mechanical rooms and developing CBR-contingent
emergency response plans should be addressed as
soon as possible. Additional measures can provide
