Today’s buildings are not designed to be shutdown for extended periods, according to the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH).
The organisation’s CEO, Tony Gleeson, said serious issues can arise if buildings are not maintained, particularly in water systems.
He said these include corrosion cells and stagnant water in piping (dead legs) that can subsequently lead to further health issues such as Legionella.
AIRAH raised these issues in correspondence to federal, state and territory ministers calling on the government to clearly identify HVACR, building maintenance and support as essential services.
As organisations across Australia shutdown to stop the spread of COVID-19, AIRAH has signalled the need for HVACR services to continue.
Gleeson said without HVACR, other essential parts of Australian society will not be able to function.
“Key facilities, such as emergency services, healthcare and public health, information technology, communications, energy, food and agriculture, government facilities and transportation systems, are all underpinned by heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems,” Gleeson said.
“In most cases, if the underlying HVACR systems fail, the facilities themselves will fail.”
Gleeson also pointed out the need to provide building maintenance to commercial premises, even if staff have temporarily vacated.
“If premises are not maintained, when they are reoccupied the essential safety and maintenance measures will not be up to date, the statutory maintenance regime will not be up to date and therefore not in compliance – and the buildings cannot be occupied,” he said.
“Obviously, when any measures to control COVID-19 are relaxed, it will be vital to return to normal operations as quickly as possible. Our facilities must be ready.”
AIRAH has also pointed to the US Department of Homeland Security’s recently released guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce. This includes “Workers to ensure continuity of building functions” as one part of the essential workforce.
“We believe Australia should do the same and clearly identify HVACR, building maintenance and support as essential services,” Gleeson said.