Ventilation and Air Purification

Policy

This policy describes how to ventilate indoor school spaces, maximise the use of outdoor spaces and operate air purifiers to reduce the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission, and improve indoor air quality.

Summary

• Ventilating indoor spaces reduces the risk of transmission of airborne infectious diseases in schools in higher-risk spaces and during higher-risk times.
• The department has identified higher-risk spaces as rooms where staff and students are gathered for an extended period of time and/or where there are high levels of mixing of staff and students in a poorly ventilated room.
• Higher-risk times refer to the winter months (June, July and August) as this is when airborne infectious disease transmission typically peaks.
• Higher-risk times can also refer to bushfire seasons, when there is poor air quality.
• To reduce the risk of catching or passing airborne infectious diseases to others in higher-risk spaces and at higher-risk times, schools are recommended to:
  • maximise fresh air flow into all indoor spaces (for example, by opening windows and doors)
  • increase the use of outdoor learning areas wherever practicable
  • use air purifiers alongside natural and mechanical ventilation
  • minimise the use of indoor space that can’t be ventilated with outside air.
• Schools should implement measures for a safe and comfortable learning environment (for example, considering thermal and noise comfort) with ventilation strategies in place.
• Air purifiers can also be used when there is poor air quality – refer to Air Quality – Impact of Smoke on Health.
• Staff who move or lift air purifiers must follow the occupational health and safety measures in this policy to minimise the risk of injury. Refer to the Guidance tab.
• Resources for schools, including printable fact sheets and a poster to display in classrooms and other school spaces, are available on the Resources tab.
• It is recommended that schools maintain their air purifiers and schools can record maintenance activities in their quarterly general workplace safety inspection checklist.

Details

Ventilation brings fresh outdoor air into an indoor space. It reduces the number of small droplets or aerosols in the air that can carry bacteria and viruses. An air purifier can filter droplets, aerosol, dust and other particles if it is correctly used and well-maintained. These improvements in indoor air quality can reduce the spread of airborne illness, and protect the health of students and staff who are sensitive to allergens.

Schools can reduce the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission in higher-risk spaces and at higher-risk times through:

• increasing ventilation of indoor spaces
• reducing the use of spaces that can’t be ventilated with fresh air
• using air purifiers to assist ventilation.

The department has identified higher-risk spaces as rooms where staff and students are gathered for an extended period of time and/or where there are high levels of mixing of staff and students in a poorly ventilated room. These spaces include:

• general purpose classrooms
• group learning spaces
• staff rooms
• multipurpose learning spaces (for example, learning communities)
• lecture rooms
• art classrooms
• drama classrooms
• food technology classrooms
• staff rooms.

Higher-risk times refer to the winter months (June, July and August) as this is when airborne infectious disease transmission typically peaks.

Ventilation and air purification are important strategies in the broader suite of controls to reduce the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission in school settings. These strategies can be used with other measures, such as vaccination, good hygiene, cleaning, mask use and staying home when unwell.

There are 2 ways indoor air quality can be improved:

• ventilation – bringing in outside air by opening windows and doors or by using mechanical systems (such as air-conditioning systems and fans)
• air purification – using air purifiers to filter the air.

Where practical, schools can also reduce the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission by using outdoor learning areas in place of indoor learning areas.

Ventilation

Schools are encouraged to maximise fresh air flow into all indoor spaces. Ensuring adequate ventilation is one of the most effective measures to keep schools safe. The most effective strategies for using ventilation to improve indoor air quality will vary depending on the room and the equipment available to the school. A common strategy is opening windows and doors to allow air flow. If inclement weather does not permit open windows and doors all day, consider opening them intermittently for short durations, for example, for 10 minutes every hour.

Schools are strongly encouraged to fix windows that are designed to be opened but do not open, through their general maintenance processes. This should be funded by a school’s Student Resource Package maintenance funding.

In some instances, schools are required to balance the requirement to bring in outside air with the risk of students absconding from their learning spaces. Schools are encouraged to consider and implement solutions such as installing fly screens for windows, mesh security doors for doorways, and indoor safety gates. Schools can speak to their regional provision and planning manager for further advice and assistance on window maintenance.

Refer to 'Using ventilation to improve indoor air quality' under the Resources tab for further information.

Maximise the use of outdoor learning areas

Alongside the use of various ventilation methods, schools are encouraged to conduct outdoor learning whenever and as much as practicable, noting that there may be less opportunity in winter months.

Schools can identify spaces that could be used for outdoor learning. These spaces could be areas that are already sheltered and shaded. The use of this space could be rotated between classes.

Schools can consider options to set up different spaces, depending on weather conditions.

Air Purifier Program

The department initiated an Air Purifier Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide all government schools with air purifiers and filters to protect staff and students. While there are now high levels of vaccination rates in Victoria, the Air Purifier Program will continue to operate until the end of 2025. Air purifiers will continue to be provided by the department to all new schools, kindergartens on school sites, new buildings, and relocatable buildings. Limited filters will be available during this time.

Air purifiers complement ventilation methods by removing infectious particles from the air. They do not replace other ventilation methods. Air purifiers filter existing air within a space and do not bring in outside air.

Air purifiers can be used alongside open windows and doors and with mechanical ventilation in operation. Additionally, schools are encouraged to use air purifiers if it is not possible to keep doors and windows open all day (for example, due to inclement weather).

The department encourages schools to continue using their air purifiers during higher-risk times and in higher-risk spaces.

Schools are responsible for the general maintenance and cleaning of their air purifiers. Schools can complete their air purifier maintenance as part of their quarterly general workplace safety inspection checklist. It is recommended that schools include air purifier maintenance and cleaning in their School Maintenance Plan. Refer to the maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers guidance chapter for further information.

Funding for maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers

As with the regular maintenance of school assets, school staff do not need to undertake the maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers themselves. Schools can choose to use Student Resource Package (SRP) funding and other school funds.

If a school’s budget and cashflow statement shows insufficient funds for tasks such as cleaning air purifier pre-filters, schools can contact the School Financial Management Support Unit at schools.finance.support@education.vic.gov.au

If the School Financial Management Support Unit establishes that a school cannot meet the cost associated with the maintenance of air purifiers using the above mechanisms, additional funding may be provided.

Damage or theft of air purifiers

For operational issues and faults with air purifiers, call Samsung on 1300 362 603 (then select option 9, option 6). Units provided to schools do not require proof of purchase for servicing. Schools are advised to provide the unit serial number and inform service centres that the unit is part of the Victorian Department of Education rollout. Schools are advised to contact Samsung directly (on the above number) to replace faulty or damaged units under warranty.

In certain circumstances, the department will replace air purifiers that are not covered under warranty. These include some instances of accidental damage or theft.

In the event of theft of an air purifier, schools should report the theft to the police in the first instance. When reporting a stolen air purifier to the department, schools should include a statutory declaration.

To request replacement air purifiers, please complete the air purifier replacement form found in the Resources tab and send to airpurifiers@education.vic.gov.au

Excess air purifiers

If a school has sufficient air purifiers to cover higher-risk spaces, they can consider using additional units in spaces with a lower risk.

If schools have enough units to cover all higher-risk spaces, the department can receive surplus units if they are unopened. Schools can email airpurifiers@education.vic.gov.au to arrange a pick up.

Excess air purifiers that have been opened can be donated to a local government school, kindergarten or child care facility. Refer to the Donating Furniture and Equipment policy for further information. Schools wishing to donate must also review Section 13 of the Finance Manual for Victorian Government Schools to ensure compliance with any transfer or disposal requirements outlined in the policy.

School purchase of air purifiers

Schools can purchase additional air purifiers. When choosing the type of air purifier, schools should consider the specifications required for an air purifier to be effective in the intended space, including having capacity sufficient for the room size. It is recommended that schools consider the following factors before purchasing and deploying air purifiers:

• Air purifiers equipped with a HEPA filter are preferred. Air purifiers with a lower grade filter may not be as efficient in removing airborne viral particles or not remove these at all.
• The size of the air cleaner device needs to be appropriate to the space it will be used in.
• The effectiveness of the device in removing particulates in the air. The clean air delivery rate measurements are based on the space and volume of clean air produced.

Air purifiers that use UV or ionisers are not recommended. UV aerosol disinfection can pose potential health risks and the installation of such devices requires extensive professional consultation.

Additional detail on considerations when purchasing air purifiers can be found in Department of Health guidance: COVID-19: Ventilation principles and strategies to reduce aerosol transmission in community and workplace settings.

Definitions

Air purifier
An air purifier is an indoor portable device that filters domestic or industrial air, and which is used primarily to remove pollution, improve air quality, and purify the air.

Ventilation
The circulation of fresh air.

Related policies

• Air Quality – Impact of Smoke on Health
• Asthma
• COVID-19 – School Operations
• Cleaning
• Environmental Hygiene
• Manual Handling
• Noise Management
• School Maintenance Plans and Rolling Facilities Evaluations
• Testing and Tagging of Electrical Equipment

Relevant legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 – section 21(1) requires an employer to, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

Contacts

For general advice on the Air Purifier Program, schools can contact:

airpurifiers@education.vic.gov.au

For further advice and assistance on window maintenance, a school’s regional provision and planning manager should be the first point of contact.

North eastern Victoria region

Damien Hanwright
Damien.Hanwright@education.vic.gov.au
03 7022 1172

North western Victoria region

Jeanette Stubbs
Jeanette.Stubbs@education.vic.gov.au
03 8468 9224

South eastern Victoria region

Darren Clarke
Darren.Clarke@education.vic.gov.au
03 8904 2559

South western Victoria region

Kimberley Bendall
Kimberley.Bendall@education.vic.gov.au
03 9194 6305

Guidance

This guidance advises on the operation and placement of air purifiers and outlines possible risks of catching or passing airborne infectious diseases in particular types of school spaces.

This guidance recognises that most learning spaces rely largely on natural ventilation. During winter it is difficult to maintain a comfortable learning environment with natural ventilation.

This guidance has been developed in consultation with the Department of Health, Samsung and ventilation experts.

This guidance contains the following chapters:

• Operation and placement of air purifiers
• Maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers

If you have any further questions about the operation and placement of air purifiers, please contact airpurifiers@education.vic.gov.au

Operation and placement of air purifiers

The department has provided schools with Samsung AX7500 (also known as the AX90T) model air purifiers. This advice relates to this specific model of air purifier (device).

Each device contains a user manual, which should be kept in the same room as each unit for reference. A short set-up guide (PDF) can also be found on the Samsung website.

The air purifiers contain high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. HEPA filters can help filter airborne viruses, bacteria, and particulate matter from bushfire or hazard reduction burn smoke.

Air purifiers do not eliminate airborne infectious disease transmission but, combined with other interventions in schools – including vaccination, physical distancing, good hygiene, masks and cleaning, they create a safer school environment.

Each air purifier is designed to filter an area of 90 m². If a space is larger than 90 m² multiple air purifiers should be used based on the total area of the space (for example, if a space is 150 m², 2 air purifiers should be used – if a space is 250 m², 3 air purifiers should be used).

Advice on placing the air purifiers within a room to maximise efficiency:

Air purifiers draw air in from the front, meaning they can be placed near a wall or in a corner.

• The air purifiers require at least 20 to 30 cm space around the sides and the back.
• Place the devices away from open doors and windows.
• Place the devices in areas of low air movement – this is often the opposite side of the room to open windows or doors.
• Do not place objects on top of the device.
• Place the air purifiers away from audio/visual media as they can be affected by video or audio noise.
• Use one air purifier per 90 m² space. An additional air purifier should be used with each additional 90 m².

Recommended advice for using the air purifiers:

• Turn air purifiers on ‘high’ fan speed throughout the day and ideally 2 hours after a room is occupied.
• Use timers to manage daily routines.
• Use air purifiers together with open windows.
• Continue to promote air movement through available means such as fans and air-conditioners even when the air-purifier is in use.
• If noise is affecting learning, turn the air purifier fan down from the high setting.
• Ensure the child lock function on the air purifier is activated when students are in the room.
• Practice good hand hygiene after touching the device.
• Refer to the user manual for all information about the safe operation of the air purifiers.
• Do not leave air purifiers operating at schools overnight. This can result in units setting off school alarm systems.

Location of air purifiers within a school

Schools need to consider how air purifiers can support the unique characteristics of their existing infrastructure and school community. Purifiers are portable and can be moved to accommodate operational changes within the school.

Schools have been provided with a sufficient number of air purifiers to cover all classrooms and other high-risk spaces. Room risk ratings can be found at: Room risk rating and management strategies.

Schools should consider placing air purifiers in rooms that:

• have limited opportunity for other forms of ventilation (for example, rooms with windows that cannot be opened or rooms where the only openable windows and/or door outside are on one side of the room)
• have occupants that are unable to maintain physical distancing easily
• will be used for activities that require higher levels of exertion, no mask-wearing, or increased aerosol projection, such as music, singing, sport, or drama
• are used by a vulnerable student or staff cohort, including those who are immune compromised or have underlying health conditions, or are not able to utilise other interventions such as masks, physical distancing, and/or vaccination
• are required to hold a higher number of people for extended periods.

Safe movement of air purifiers

The air purifiers provided to schools are portable and can be moved by staff.

School staff who physically move or lift air purifiers must take steps to manage the associated OHS risks, including when they are delivered and being moved around the school. These steps must include:

• reviewing the guidance for the safe movement of air purifiers by school staff, available in the Movement of air purifiers: safe work procedure (DOCX)
• completing the Risk assessment for movement of air purifiers (DOCX) and tailoring it to the school’s particular context and environment
• ensuring those staff members have completed the Manual Handling eLearning module (staff login required) – or complete it as a refresher – on LearnED prior to starting this work.

A Manual handling awareness training presentation (PPTX) is also available to support staff to familiarise themselves with safe manual handling techniques.

For more general guidance about manual handling refer to the Movement of air purifiers – training and guidance section of the Resources tab.

Maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers

Continued use of air purifiers and the maintenance and cleaning of air purifiers is a key part of keeping schools safe and is part of the regular maintenance of school assets. Schools can complete their air purifier maintenance as part of their quarterly general workplace safety inspection checklist. It is recommended that schools include air purifier maintenance and cleaning in their School Maintenance Plan.

Schools are responsible for the general maintenance and cleaning of their air purifiers. Contract cleaners will not clean the device.

There are 3 elements of the purifier that require cleaning and/or replacement:

• surface
• pre-filters
• HEPA filters.

Maintenance or cleaning should be undertaken in a well-ventilated space. Single-use surgical masks and gloves are recommended to be worn when cleaning pre-filters or replacing HEPA filters, for general hygiene purposes. Hand hygiene should be performed after cleaning and maintenance.

No action is required to the cleaning of the pre-filter or replacement of the HEPA filter if confirmed infectious disease cases have been in the room where an air purifier has been running.

Air purifiers require testing and tagging as per the guidance on PAL. Refer to the Testing and Tagging of Electrical Equipment policy.

Surface cleaning

Schools should clean the surface of the device regularly in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. Contractor cleaners will treat the air purifiers in a similar way to other electrical items, which normally includes dusting.

Cleaning the pre-filters

Each air purifier has 2 pre-filters which are visible once the front cover of the device is unclipped.

The pre-filters are to be cleaned every 5 to 6 weeks when the purifier is being used every weekday (or twice per term). For example, this could be done mid-term and towards the end of term. This is based on the expected use in a school setting. It is different to the recommendation of every 2 weeks in the manufacturer’s manual, which is based on 24/7 use.

Removing the pre-filter does not require tools. The pre-filters clip into the device in front of the HEPA filter. For further information on how to remove the pre-filter for cleaning, please refer to the user manual.

There are 3 ways to clean a pre-filter:

1. Pre-filters can be cleaned with a duster or soft brush to remove dust. This is recommended to be undertaken outside.
2. Pre-filters can be vacuumed to remove dust. This can be done within the immediate vicinity of the air purifier unit. It is preferable to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
3. Pre-filters can be washed with water. It is important that pre-filters are completely dry before being re-inserted into the air purifier. To speed up drying time, it is recommended that filters are initially manually dried with an absorbent cloth (such as a microfibre cloth) and left to air dry, away from direct sunlight, before being reinstalled into the device.

Schools can arrange this work at their discretion. Schools may also consider using the following:

• the current HVAC contractor that cleans and maintains the school’s air-conditioning filters
• the school maintenance person.

Schools may order additional cleaning with their current cleaning services provider. For more information on funding arrangements please see below.

Replacing the HEPA filter

Each air purifier has 2 HEPA filters which are visible once the front cover of the device is unclipped.

Six replacement HEPA filters per air purifier have been provided to schools. This is expected to cover replacements for approximately 2 years based on the estimated replacement every 6 to 12 months. This will depend on the use case and operating environment of each device.

Replacement of the HEPA filter should occur when the device alerts. Replace both HEPA filters at this time.

No tools are required to replace HEPA filters. They clip into the device behind the pre-filter, which must be removed before replacing the HEPA filter.

Place used HEPA filters in a sealed bag and dispose of in general waste. Used HEPA filters are not recyclable

For further information on how to replace the HEPA filter, please refer to the user manual.

Where possible, HEPA filters should be stored in the proper vertical position, as marked on the container. For ease of replacement, it is recommended that replacement filters are stored near their associated air purifier unit.

Resources

Factsheets for schools

These factsheets provide information about how, where, and when to use air purifiers. Schools are encouraged to display these factsheets in classrooms and other indoor spaces:

• Using ventilation to improve indoor air quality (DOCX)
• How to use an air purifier – accessible version (DOCX)
• How to use an air purifier – printable version (PDF)
• Where to put your air purifiers – accessible version (DOCX)
• Where to put your air purifiers – printable version (PDF)
• Ventilation advice for the classroom – accessible version (DOCX)
• Ventilation advice for the classroom – printable version (PDF).

Factsheets for parents

The Improving ventilation for school safety (PDF) factsheet provides information schools can give to parents about improving ventilation for school safety.

Poster – promoting air flow in our schools

Schools are encouraged to display this sign in classrooms and other school spaces throughout their school:

• Poster on promoting air flow in schools – accessible version (DOCX)
• Poster on promoting air flow in schools – printable version (PDF)

Movement of air purifiers – training and guidance

School staff can access the Manual Handling eLearning module by searching for ‘manual handling’ on LearnED (staff login required).

A Manual handling awareness training presentation (PPTX) is also available to support staff to familiarise themselves with safe manual handling techniques.

Staff can also access and review the guidance for the safe movement of air purifiers by school staff here:

• Movement of air purifiers: safe work procedure (DOCX)
• Risk assessment for movement of air purifiers (DOCX)

For more general guidance about manual handling by school staff, schools and staff may access the Manual handling guide (DOCX) (staff login required) and Manual Handling policy on PAL.

The OHS Advisory Service is also available to support schools with tailored risk assessments, and specialised OHS advice in relation to manual handling, including in relation to air purifiers. The OHS Advisory Service can be contacted on 1300 074 715, or by email at safety@education.vic.gov.au

Replacement air purifiers

To request a replacement air purifier in the event of theft or accidental damage, please complete and return the Air purifier replacement form (DOCX) to airpurifiers@education.vic.gov.au

Other supporting resources

• Samsung website – contains further information on the air purifiers being provided to schools by the Department (Samsung AX7500 model). User manuals for these devices will be delivered to schools with each device, but schools can also download a copy here.
• Samsung technical support – for operational issues and faults with air purifiers, call Samsung on 1300 362 603 (then select option 9, option 6). Units provided to schools do not require proof of purchase for servicing. Schools are advised to provide the unit serial number and inform service centres that the unit is part of the Victorian Department of Education and Training rollout. Schools are advised to contact Samsung directly (on the above number) to replace faulty or damaged units under warranty.