May 20, 2002—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released on May 10, 2002 new guidelines for protecting ventilation systems in commercial and government buildings from chemical, biological, and radiological attacks. The guidelines provide recommendations for the physical security of ventilation systems, airflow and filtration, systems maintenance, program administration, and maintenance staff training.
The guidelines recommend that security measures be adopted for air intakes and return-air grilles, and that access to building operations systems and building design information should be restricted. The information also recommends that the emergency capabilities of systems’ operational controls should be assessed, filter efficiency should be closely evaluated, buildings ‘ emergency plans should be updated, and preventive maintenance procedures should be adopted. The document also cautions against detrimental actions, such as permanently sealing outdoor air intakes.
According to the guidelines, protective measures should be tailored to fit the individual building based on several factors, including the perceived risk associated with the building and its tenants, engineering and architectural feasibility, and cost.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in HHS prepared the guidelines with input from the Office of Homeland Security’s (OHS) Interagency Workgroup on Building Air Protection and more than 30 other federal agencies, state and local organizations, and professional associations. The guidelines are intended as a first step with the professional community, government agencies, and others toward developing more comprehensive guidance for protecting building ventilation systems.
“Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks,” DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-139, is available from NIOSH and by calling 800/35-NIOSH (800/356-4674).
