This COVID-19 resource page has been developed to provide useful and credible building services information to building owners and managers.
Contact Us to find out more about optimising your building post COVID-19.
A.G. Coombs Group companies are working with our clients, service providers and suppliers to ensure that we continue to deliver our services safely and effectively. We are continually monitoring the situation around COVID-19, have a resilient Business Continuity Plan in place to ensuring that we continue to operate effectively and closely managing our organisation to assure the wellbeing of our personnel and service providers.
The A.G. Coombs Group assures you of our continued focus, capability and support for construction projects and in the operation and maintenance of facilities.
Aerosol transmission has emerged as a viable COVID-19 infection mechanism – very small particles carrying the virus – emitted by infected people breathing – hanging in the air possibly for hours – being pushed around by air flows in rooms – potentially being drawn into recirculating HVAC systems – possibly being reintroduced into occupied areas.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Modifying HVAC Systems to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission →
Published research on healthcare ventilation systems and scenarios suggests that the transmission of droplets containing viral material is possible in these situations. It is thought to be less likely in a well-designed and properly maintained typical HVAC system in a public setting.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; HVAC and COVID-19 →
Humidity levels in indoor environments can play a key role in infection control. Modifications to existing HVAC systems can be made to improve the ability to regulate the space humidity.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Humidity Control – Using HVAC to Help Reduce Infection Spread →
NABERS have released information to assessors and building owners on how NABERS ratings will be affected by COVID-19. This has been developed into a readily accessible FAQ format to assist building owners, facility managers and NABERS Assessors.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; NABERS and COVID-19 →
Appropriate use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in HVAC systems has been proven as an effective inactivation method for mould, bacteria and viruses, reducing the source of Healthcare-Associated Infections and a reduction of airborne microorganisms. This Advisory Note provides a basic understanding of UVGI and its applications.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation for HVAC Applications →
During the COVID-19 situation buildings experienced significantly reduced occupancy with some being completely vacated. Building services systems have seen reduced operation and some have been turned off. Ramping up or starting systems after a protracted shut down, especially those that are large, complex and interdependent, requires care.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory
With the return of people to buildings after the COVID19 period, a new way of thinking will need to be adopted to ensure building access control systems align to occupant health while continuing to maintain building security. Adaptations and enhancements to security technology will play a key role in how we maintain and manage the balance between a safe and healthy environment and still maintaining a secure building.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Post COVID-19 Occupant Access and Building Security →
Completely shutting down mechanical and HVAC, fire protection and electrical systems for a protracted period and then restarting, particularly large and complex systems, can cause a number of serious problems. The cost and implications of shutting down and starting up may outweigh any advantages.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Building Services Operation & Maintenance in COVID-19 →
Many buildings are experiencing significantly reduced occupancy in the COVID-19 situation and building operators are seeking opportunities to reduce costs during this period. Reducing operation or shutting down HVAC systems is an option that can be considered. Many HVAC systems rely upon Cooling Tower Systems for heat rejection. There are strict regulatory requirements for the ownership and operation of Cooling Tower Systems throughout Australia to project protect public health from the risk of Legionnaires Disease. Completely shutting down mechanical and HVAC systems including Cooling Tower Systems for a protracted period and then restarting, particularly large and complex systems, can cause a number of serious problems. The cost and implications of shutting down and starting up may outweigh any advantages. It is important that the management and operation of cooling towers be carefully considered as a part of an overall in any change of HVAC system strategic plan.
See A.G. Coombs Advisory Note; Cooling Tower Operation & COVID-19 →
During the COVID-19 period A.G. Coombs has taken a leading role in the Australian HVAC industry in providing technical services to support the development and operation of facilities to help meet the challenges posed by the pandemic and aerosol transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Advisory Notes
ADVISORY NOTE – NEW
Aerosol transmission has emerged as a viable COVID-19 infection mechanism – very small particles carrying the virus – emitted by infected people breathing – hanging in the air possibly for hours…
ADVISORY NOTE
Appropriate use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in HVAC systems has been proven as an effective inactivation method for mould, bacteria and viruses, reducing the source of Healthcare Associated Infections and…
ADVISORY NOTE
With the return of people to buildings after the COVID19 period, a new way of thinking will need to be adopted to ensure building access control systems align to occupant health while continuing to maintain building security.
ADVISORY NOTE
During the COVID-19 situation buildings experienced significantly reduced occupancy with some being completely vacated. Building services systems have seen reduced operation and some have been…
ADVISORY NOTE
In the COVID-19 situation many buildings are experiencing significantly reduced occupancy and in some instances being vacated. Building owners are…
ADVISORY NOTE
NABERS have released information to assessors and building owners on how NABERS ratings will be affected by COVID-19. We have developed this information into a readily accessible FAQ format to assist…
ADVISORY NOTE
COVID-19’s substantial impact on our lives has caused us to reconsider how building HVAC systems can assist reduce airborne transmission of viruses…
ADVISORY NOTE
Many buildings are experiencing significantly reduced occupancy in the COVID-19 situation and building operators are seeking opportunities to minimise costs during this period…
ADVISORY NOTE
There is considerable interest in the role that HVAC may play in the transmission of COVID-19. This Advisory Note provides an overview on viral transmission, how HVAC systems work, and the practical…
Aerosol transmission has emerged as a viable COVID-19 infection mechanism – very small particles carrying the virus – emitted by infected people breathing – hanging in the air possibly for hours – being pushed around by air flows in rooms – potentially being drawn into recirculating HVAC systems – possibly being reintroduced into occupied areas.
Contact us to find out more about optimising your building for COVID-19.
Discussions and concerns around the coronavirus outbreak and practising self-isolation can be stressful and impact our mental health and wellbeing. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed by the constant news and overwhelming amount of information about the situation.
Source: Australian Government: Department of Health
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Social Distancing
Practise physical distancing. Where possible, stay 1.5m apart.
Self Isolation
Stay at home and self-isolate if you are unwell.
COVIDSafe App
Download the COVIDSafe App on your mobile device.