In response to the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires and prescribed burns, ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) has released Guideline 44-2024. This comprehensive document provides guidance on protecting building occupants from the harmful effects of smoke during wildfire and prescribed burn events. The guideline addresses various aspects of building design, engineering, and operation, marking a significant step forward in public health and safety regarding air quality in residential and commercial structures.
Overview of ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024
Purpose
The core purpose of ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 is to offer practical strategies and best practices for mitigating the risks associated with smoke exposure during wildfire events. It aims to assist building owners, engineers, architects, and facility managers in developing effective systems and processes that ensure a safe indoor environment in the face of poor outdoor air quality.
Key Features
1. Risk Assessment and Planning
Guideline 44 emphasizes the importance of understanding local wildfire risks and incorporating this knowledge into building design and operations. It encourages a thorough assessment of potential hazards and the development of contingency plans that prioritize occupant safety.
2. Building Strategies
The guideline provides strategies for enhancing the building envelope to minimize smoke infiltration, as well as ventilation changes to better control indoor air quality while minimizing outdoor air intake during polluted events. Some of these building enhancements include sealing gaps in the structural design, employing MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) 13 filters within HVAC systems, and adding proven air cleaning technologies to reduce indoor smoke levels.
4. Communication and Training
Another essential aspect of the guideline is the emphasis on communication protocols. Organizations are urged to train staff on recognizing air quality concerns related to wildfires and to establish clear communication channels with occupants regarding safety measures and building operations.
5. Post-Event Procedures
Post-wildfire smoke events can lead to lingering air quality issues. ASHRAE Guideline 44 includes protocols for assessing and restoring indoor air quality after such events, including flushing out the space, assessing and verifying the indoor air quality with compliant testing, and more.
Implementation and Compliance
Implementing the recommendations outlined in ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 may require collaboration among various stakeholders, including building owners, design professionals, and facility managers. By adhering to the guideline, organizations can enhance occupant safety and reduce liability associated with smoke exposure.
Putting Standards Into Actions
If wildfire smoke is prevalent in your area, immediate changes can be easily made. AirBox offers highly compliant portable air purifiers for an easy plug-and-play set-up. We have also recently introduced its line of High-Volume Purifiers (HVPs) that utilize Certified HEPA and Advanced Molecular Adsorbent filtration capable of catching smoke and other pollutants in indoor air. These units range from 2,000 to 9,000 CFM to cover large scale, multi-room, and whole-building purification depending on building design. With the AirBox Advanced Operating System on board, the AirBox HVPs can switch to a building Smoke Readiness Plan with the press of a button. Even in normal operating modes, these units can reduce outdoor air intake by 50%-90% resulting in immense yearly energy savings and a reduction in HVAC capacity in new construction using the new ASHRAE Indoor Air Quality Procedure ventilation design.
In addition, the AirBox Analytical Group can also perform Indoor Air Quality Assessment and Verification Testing in accordance with all testing requirements put forth by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022. AirBox combines data from cutting-edge sensor technology with in-depth lab analysis performed by an accredited third-party lab to ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment and verification of indoor air quality.
AirBox can assist your design team in implementing ASHRAE Guideline 44 whether it’s for retrofit or new construction. Our team of experts specializes in leveraging the newest ventilation and indoor air quality standards for our clients. Reach out to our team to get started.
A Cleaner Future
ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 signifies a vital step forward in addressing the challenges posed by smoke from wildfires and prescribed burns. By providing a comprehensive framework for protecting building occupants, the guideline empowers architects, engineers, and facility managers to implement effective strategies that enhance indoor air quality and reduce health risks during wildfire events.
For more detailed insights, stakeholders are encouraged to review the complete ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024 document, available through the ASHRAE website and other professional channels.
