Republic of the Philippines A DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT - Intramuros, Manila s4. ne DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 424 Series of 2021 GUIDELINES ON VENTILATION FOR WORKPLACES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO PREVENT AND CONTROL THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 Pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of Labor and Employment under Article 168 of the Labor Code, as renumbered, to set and enforce Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) in all workplaces, the following guidelines are hereby issued to improve and maintain the quality of ventilation in workplaces and public transport: Section 1. Rationale. — As part of the continuing effort of the government to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 virus at the workplace and cognizant of @ large amount of working time indoors and in poorly ventilated spaces and in compliance and/or supplement to Republic Act No. 11058, DOLE Department Order No 198-18, and the OSHS of the Philippines, Section II-B (5) of DTI-DOLE Joint Memorandum Circular No 20-04-A and DOH DM 2020-0429, adequate ventilation should be strictly enforced inside the workplace as a preventive measure against spread of COVID-19 virus. Section 2. Coverage.—This Guidelines shall cover all commercial and industrial establishments, projects, sites, and all other places, where work is being undertaken indoors, This shall not however, cover healthcare facilities requiring special considerations in the control of COVID-19. Section 3. Definition of Terms. — As used herein, the following terms shall mean: a. Air Change per Hour (ACH) refers to the air flow to a space expressed as volume per unit time divided by the volume of the space. b, Carbon Dioxide (CO,) refers to colorless gas formed by breakdown or burning of animal or plant matter and by the act of breath and may be commonly used as a surrogate indicator for assessing indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation efficiency. ©. Contaminants refer to airborne contaminants such as dusts and other particulate matters. d. Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) refers to unit of measurement for volume flow rate of air; this corresponds to a specific volume of air flowing through a channel per minute. e. Enclosed Spaces refer to areas that have means of entry or exit, surrounded by walls and a ceiling and are designed for continuous occupancy. It may or may not have windows that could be freely opened. These may include, but are not limited to, meeting rooms, conference halls, ballrooms, churches, etc. 1. General ventilation refers to the flow of air into and out of a working area to dilute any contaminants by providing additional fresh or natural air. General ventilation can be provided through natural and/or mechanical means. Dilution ventilation, through natural, mechanical ventilation or both, should be consideredr. Section 4: General Venti A as the primary engineering control. Ventilation conditions can be evaluated through measurement of Air Change per Hour (ACH) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Natural Ventilation refers to a supply of fresh air in a building and air is removed from an indoor space (ventilated) without any mechanical means. Mechanical Ventilation refers to the use of mechanical systems such as fans and often involves heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to supply/provide fresh air andor extract contaminated air. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System refers to the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters refers to an air filtering device that has an efficiency of 99.97% filtration of particles up to 0.30 microns. Local air conditioning units refer to window type, ceiling mounted, floor mounted, split type, and the like, that cools, dehumidifies and recirculates indoor air. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) refers to a mechanical system used to control air contaminants by trapping them at or near the source; a more effective way of controlling highly toxic contaminants before they reach the workers’ breathing zones. It is designed to capture an emitted contaminant at or near its source, before the contaminant has a chance to disperse into the workplace air. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) refers to a classification of ait filtration devices based on their efficiency to filter particulates. Objectionable Air Draft refers to very high or too much air movement directed straight towards the workers. Open Air Spaces refer to areas that allow free air movement from all directions and may be covered by a roof, supported by posts, and not surrounded by walls. These may include, but are not limited to, covered courts, covered walkways, gazebos, etc. Other openings refer to other openings such as roof exhausters, roof ridge opening, louver openings or louvers, or door openings. Qualified personnel refers to company personnel that is knowledgeable and assigned by the employer to conduct the ventilation assessment; e.g. Safety Officer, Industrial Hygienist, Facilities Engineer!Manager, HVAC contractor. Ventilating fans refer to ceiling, wall, and pedestal fans. n Strategies and Recommend: Non Air-Conditioned Spaces Maximize natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows and other ‘openings, if possible and safe to do so. Ensure that the natural air brought into the workplace is free of contaminants. If natural ventilation is not feasible or inadequate, fans and air-conditioningsystem to supply fresh and extract contaminated air shall be used as mechanical ventilation. Dilution ventilation must be done through use of exhaust fans to achieve an air change rate of 6 to 12 ACH, while maximizing natural ventilation through the use of doors, windows and other openings, if possible and safe to do so. Exhaust fans should be kept continuously open as much as possible. If the use of ventilating fans is unavoidable, increase outdoor air changes by ‘opening windows and other openings. Air flow direction or movement should be considered in the layout of work stations to avoid person to person viral spread through airborne respiratory droplets. Conduct weekly cleaning of windows, other openings, and ventilating fans, or as necessary. . Air-Conditioned Spaces For HVAC systems, outdoor air supply should conform to the recommended breathing zone ventilation rates, for the purpose of general air dilution and comfort control Run the ventilation system for at least 30 minutes before and after spaces are occupied. In workplaces that only have local air conditioning units, dilution ventilation may be done through the use of exhaust fans, and filters MERV13 or higher, or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter rating applicable to the unit may be installed. Ensure that enough exhaust fans relative to the room volume are available to have the required breathing zone minimum ventilation rates. Where ventilation is greatly recirculated or access to outside air is not feasible, filters such as HEPA filtration air purifiers can be used to clean recirculated air, provided that the unit is adequate for the size of the room in which it is installed in. Ensure proper maintenance by following manufacturer recommendations of these devices. Keep the louvers of local air conditioning units in an upward position to prevent the air flowing from one person to another, while observing minimum health protocols. Frequently open the windows, doors, and other openings to supplement the mechanical ventilation systems to achieve dilution, Establish a cleaning and maintenance program for mechanical systems. Ensure that no molds or stagnant water will be circulated in the atmosphere. Filters must be changed when necessary. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn by workers involved in the cleaning and maintenance. 3C. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) 1, The LEV system shall conform to the existing local code. It shall have the basic components of hoods, ductworks, air cleaning device, fans or blowers and exhaust stack. All installed LEV shall be equipped with a proper air cleaning device to treat, filter and minimize airborne contaminants being exhausted to the atmosphere. 2. Continuous operation of LEVs when workers are present in order to allow additional air change in the workplace. Ensure that running hoods of LEVs are properly secured when not being used during a specific operation to avoid disruption. D. Restrooms and Water Closets 1, Ensure that exhaust fans in restroom facilities are functional and operational at full capacity whenever the building is occupied. 2. When tolletsiwater closets are used, close the toilet bowl seat lid before flushing, if available. This aims to minimize the release of droplets into air caused by flushing. 3. Do not use hand blowers or jet dryers as it contributes to the dispersion of potentially contaminated air inside the restrooms. Section 5: Ventilation Concerns for Public Transport (Air, Rail, Land, and Sea). Pursuant to the LTFRB MC 2020-061, Series of 2020, "Updated Health Protocols for PUVs', DOH DM 2020-0429, "Guidance on Ventilation for COVID-19 Mitigation’, and the DTI-DOLE JMC 20-04-A and DTI-DOLE Advisory 20-03, Series of 2020, the following are advised: 1. Provide natural ventilation and access to open air. 2. Avoid using the recirculated air option for the vehicle's ventilation during passenger transport. 3. Ensure adequate ventilation, if possible, by opening windows by at least three (3) inches while in transit, provided that itis safe to do so. 4. Ensure regular and proper maintenance of filters of the vehicle air-conditioning units, if applicable. 5. For rail and road transport, impose a minimum of fiteen (15) seconds for the opening of doors for passengers’ exit and entry. 6. Ensure that the following minimum public health standards are being followed: a. Wear property the approved face masks and face shields at all times, b. Follow strictly the proper and frequent disinfection, before and after completing a route.c. Implement one-seat apart distance for passengers; do not allow passengers to sit beside each other, unless plastic barriers are installed between them; and disinfect regularly plastic barriers after each trip or as necessary. d. Post updated COVID-19 information through IEC materials. e. Avoid talking (answering phone calls or having conversations) while inside the public transport. f. Prohibit eating and drinking while inside the public transport. g. Do not allow symptomatic passengers on board. Section 6: Ventilation Assessment. — The employer shall be responsible for maintaining an acceptable and safe indoor air quality. A. Qualitative Assessment 1. The safety officer or any qualified personnel may use the attached self- assessment checklist (See Annex 1) in conducting the assessment. 2. He/she shall ensure that the ventilation system is working or functioning during the conduct of assessment in order to determine how air enters and exits from the space, Other measures to assess could include, but not limited to, the following: lingering smell; stuffiness of room; feeling of high humidity; or smokiness of room. aoge 3. The use of natural or mechanical ventilation or the combination thereof depends on the ventilation assessment conducted by a trained safety officer or ventilation/indoor ait-quality specialist, B. Quantitative Assessment 1. For air movement, the directional airflow and objectionable air drafts shall be considered. Airflow direction should be from cleaner source to prevent contaminant transmission. 2. Carbon Dioxide (CO;) is commonly used as a surrogate indicator for assessing indoor air quality (/AQ) and ventilation efficiency. CO2 concentration shall not exceed 1,000 ppm. To achieve this, the minimum ventilation in breathing zones as set by the Philippine Green Building Code, could be used as a guide (Annex 2). CO> level inside an enclosed space may be determined using calibrated COz monitoring devices. During the CO2 monitoring, position the device strategically in locations such as those far from windows, doors and other openings. A calibrated CO, monitor shall be used to ensure reliability of results. Note: Use of indoor plants and indoor gardens will convert the CO, to Oz 3. Refer to Annex 3 on how to determine ACH.4. Quantitative ventilation measurements shall be performed internally by the trained safety officer or EHS personnel of the company, DOLE-OSHC, or by DOLE accredited WEM Service Providers. Section 7. Monitoring. — As provided for in the DTI-DOLE JMC 20-04-A, the OSH Committee andior safety officer of the workplace overseeing the enforcement and monitoring of the minimum public health standards for COVID-19 prevention in the workplace, shall include in its OSH program the monitoring and evaluation on the implementation of this Guidelines, at least on a monthly basis or as frequently as possible based on the assessment and recommendation of the OSH committee/safety officer. Annex 1 or other similar checklist may be used to ensure regular monitoring of ventilation measures/strategies being implemented. The DOLE Regional Offices shall monitor compliance with this Guidelines. Other government agencies shall likewise conduct its own monitoring based on their regulatory functions, as applicable. In case of violation or non-compliance, the applicable sanctions/penalties under pertinent laws, rules and regulations shall be imposed. Section 8, Rendering of Technical Assistance. — The DOLE, DOH, DTI, DPWH, DILG, DOTr, DOT and the private sector partners shall extend technical assistance and ‘support to employers and workers, and in all workplaces in complying with this Guidelines. Section 9. Effectivity. - This Guidelines shall take effect immediately. Manila, Philippines, March 03. 2021 Secretary Dept. af Labor & Employment ‘ce of the Secretary ANNUALAnnex 1: Checklist on M (For Bu For Non-Air Conditioned SpacesiWorkplaces ‘Compliance Indicator 2. There are no lingering smell, stuffiness of. room, feeling of humidity, andlor ‘4, There are ventilating fans circulating air in 6. Exhaust fans are continuously running ‘8. Number of exhaust fans are enough with respect to the volume of the room to have air change. smokiness of room, the a = i ae ring Compliance with Workplace Ventilation NA Remarks _For Air Conditioned Spaces/Workplaces 2. Alir Handling Unit (AHU) or AC unit uses and can handle MERV 13 or higher filter rating and regular change / cleaning of filters are done and louvers are in upward ‘There are no lingering smell, stufiness of room, feeling of humicity, smokiness of room. 6. Ventilating fans, or portable air purifier, if used, has HEPA filters and does not blow air from person to person 8. Air change per minute within occupied ‘workspace: 4,000 ins CO2 levels below eeAnnex 2. Mil (Table 16, Philippine Green Buil imum Ventilation Rates in Breathing Zone ing Code of DPWH, June 2015) Vax Deal People OulborAirRato | rea Qdoor Kir ate canancy (Occupancy Catesry Donsty (coh (oxaple11000 (eimi person) | {SB | cnioty | tonhisamy | Sete) Hotel/Resort and Residential Dwelling: Gendominium | Beiean ivy oom 3 85, 006 Dee 7. Lobes Presacion 75 1275 006 O86 0. Conn Gonos 006 O13 Mi pupose hese = 35 008 O86 7 Bury Roos, Cel 5 85, a | 03836 0 Guns Roos win Owing Raano | 5 85, on 028 a ‘Office Buings ice Spaces z 35 Oe, Tae z Recepion reas 5 85, 005 0 Ed Telephone ata ay 3 35) On Oe ow Man riy Lobes 5 85, 00 01558 10 Sark se peat 3 35 005 0158 5 rca: Wal Saas TE 1275 ow fed 6 Mal conan aes 7s 1275 005 OS o Sabertep 75: 1275 00 01868 zB Beau and Na ss 20 w On, 0% z Pat shogs (rial as) 75 1276 018 O20 © ‘Sipenaret 75. 1278 005 018 a ‘Gundres 75, 1276 005 Oe ea Prot Suds 5 85 On, oa 10 Parmar (ee 5 85, 018 Ose0E 0 Compe (ot pring] 5 85, 005 018 t Restart ang mar 75 1278 098 Oat 7 Caleta fs bd ig 75 1275 01 O20 100 Bascal onges 73. 27 08 O=208 100 Educational: School Day Cae rough age 0. 7 0, Osan a Gass (92558) 10 a7 0, 03555 % Gassooms (995 § pu) 70. cd om 03856 = Lace dassoom Ts a 006 0136 . Leia al fed 535) 75: wei 06 018 cc Be dasa ca 7 016 OSE 20 ‘Saencelaboralaes 10 i 01 OE 2. Wood metal step “0 a 018, Ost 20 ‘Compu ab 0 a7 O12 03555 Wed Carle “0 a7 01 03556 . ust sda 70 7 00 Oe = Mase assem 75: 1275 06 Os 100 ‘rset Colago Usborne 0 7 07 Oats B Spots Ares [psy oa) 03 Ose ‘Gym stad play a0) 03 ‘Ost Spector a 75 a oo D158 w Sasnming ac & oo) E 048 157s(Continued. Annex 2) Ve Bfat People Outdoor eRe | Area udborsirRale | Corpor car ‘Grol 1000 (eimipersce) | parson) | (mi sat)_ | (enh tsar) | Setia0 si) General ‘orerren Teng 5 85 a oo a ‘Corie = 006 me Sine Ras 12 636 Bak on = 35 08 058 2 (Cafes em 5 85 00 5s 2 Disc ears aos 20 u 206 01558 100 Hea eb robes Tan) 2 am oe 68 a0 ea cb (wigs oor) 20 o 05 iss Bontrg gle ein) ‘0 7 on 03536 1 Gmbing caso 75, Be 08 O85 720 Gar sss 75: 1278 18 08600 20 Sages, Sos 0 7 0 Tiss 7 Publi Assen Spaces Far ee aa z rH 06 Ts 0 Faces ofelgoss wash % cs 0.8 68 120 ‘ostoons 5 85 5 357 70 Leelee Faas % 85 O06 068 © wanes 5 85 ae 01383 10 atten 5 85 Oe 68 150 Meseuns id=] 75, 2 a 01858 i Moms gales 75: 1275 ue 018 «0 Source 2010 PSVARE Standards‘Annex 3: How to Determine Air Changes per Hour (ACH) 4) 2) ACH can be determined and calculated using the formula: Where ACH Volume flow rate x No. of operating installed fans x 3600 Volume of Room Volume flow rate = the rate of air flow in cubic meter per second (m/s) Volume of room = length x width x height in cubic meter (m°) 3600" = conversion of second to hour OR Where ACH = Area of Fan x Average Air Velocity of Fan x No. of operating installed fans x 3600 ‘Volume of Room Area of Fan = area measured using the inside diameter of fan in square meters (m*) Average air velocity = measured air velocity in meters per second (mis) ‘Volume of room = length x width x height in cubic meter (m?) "3600" = conversion from seconds to hour