Burnaby’s Wildfire Smoke Plan for Offices and Restaurants

Why Smoke Infiltrates

Smoke infiltration in commercial buildings, particularly during wildfire events, poses significant challenges to indoor air quality. Understanding the mechanisms behind this infiltration is essential for effective smoke control in offices and restaurants. A primary factor contributing to smoke infiltration is the operation of ventilation systems. These systems are designed to bring in outdoor air; however, when wildfire smoke is prevalent, they can unintentionally draw in contaminated air, thereby exacerbating indoor air quality issues.

Building pressure plays a crucial role in smoke management. If the pressure inside a building falls below that of the outdoors, smoke can easily infiltrate through various pathways. This can occur due to improper operation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which may not adequately maintain positive pressure during smoke events. Another critical component in this regard is the outdoor air damper (OA damper) settings. When these dampers are set incorrectly, they can allow an excessive amount of smoky outdoor air into the building, increasing exposure to harmful particles and gases.

Additionally, architectural features in buildings influence smoke entry. For example, door sweeps and vestibules can serve as barriers against smoke infiltration; however, if they are not properly maintained or designed, they can fail to prevent smoke from entering. Occupancy schedules also impact airflow dynamics within a space. During periods of high occupancy, the demand for outdoor air increases, which can inadvertently lead to higher risks of smoke infiltration if adequate measures are not in place. A comprehensive understanding of these factors can aid in developing an effective wildfire smoke management plan for commercial spaces, ensuring a safer indoor environment for occupants.

Filter Upgrades That Matter

The presence of wildfire smoke in urban environments necessitates an effective air filtration strategy, particularly for offices and restaurants. Selecting the right air filters is paramount in combating smoke infiltration, significantly improving indoor air quality. Among the most effective options are MERV 13 and HEPA filters, both designed to capture fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is prevalent in wildfire smoke.

MERV, or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a standardized rating that measures the effectiveness of air filters. A MERV 13 filter can capture particles in the size range of 0.3 to 1.0 microns with an efficiency of 90% or better. This rating makes MERV 13 filters particularly suitable for filtering out airborne irritants such as smoke, dust, and pollen, providing relief during wildfire events. On the other hand, HEPA filters, which adhere to even stricter standards, can trap at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This exceptional efficiency is crucial during smoke exposure periods, as it ensures that harmful pollutants are effectively removed from the air.

However, simply installing high-quality filters is not enough; regular maintenance is essential to sustain their effectiveness. During smoke events, it is advisable to change filters more frequently, as the volume of particulate matter can clog filters much faster than under normal conditions. Monitoring filter δp (differential pressure) is a best practice to determine when filters need to be replaced. An increase in δp indicates that the filter is becoming clogged, and failing to address this can reduce overall air quality and strain HVAC systems.

Incorporating these practices can significantly enhance the resilience of offices and restaurants against smoke infiltration, ensuring a safer, healthier environment for both employees and customers.

Pressure Strategy

Developing a robust building pressure strategy is essential to mitigate the infiltration of wildfire smoke into offices and restaurants. The primary aim of this approach is to maintain a slightly higher indoor air pressure compared to the outside environment. This can be effectively achieved through the installation of positive pressure HVAC systems. These systems are designed to push conditioned air into the building, thus creating a barrier against smoky air from outside. When implementing this strategy, it is critical to adjust fan speeds appropriately to achieve and maintain the desired indoor pressure levels.

Regular seal checks on doors, windows, and other openings are crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of the pressure strategy. Ensuring that buildings are airtight minimizes the potential pathways through which smoke can enter. Careful examination and maintenance of seals will help retain the pressurization created by the HVAC system, thus preserving a clean indoor environment during wildfire advisories.

Moreover, managing rooftop hatches and other ventilation points is vital for bolstering resilience against smoke intrusion. During periods of high wildfire activity, it may be necessary to restrict or close such openings to prevent smoke from entering the building. Implementing safeguards, such as automatic closure systems for hatches, further enhances smoke protection. A list of actionable items can serve as a practical guideline: assess HVAC system functionality, execute seal checks, monitor fan speed adjustments, and manage ventilation protocols effectively.

By prioritizing these strategies and monitoring their effectiveness, offices and restaurants can significantly reduce their vulnerability to wildfire smoke. This proactive stance not only improves indoor air quality but also fosters a healthier environment for employees and patrons alike.

Set Your Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide

In preparing for potential wildfire smoke events, office and restaurant managers must take proactive steps to ensure their HVAC systems are optimized for air quality and occupant safety. This guide outlines a four-step process that can be implemented before and during smoke events.

Step one involves switching the HVAC system to recirculation mode. This adjustment minimizes the intake of outside air, which may be laden with smoke particles. To do this, locate the system's control panel and select the option for recirculation. Ensure that the settings for outdoor air intake are disabled during smoke events. This adjustment is crucial in maintaining a safer indoor environment.

Next, optimize the pressure settings of your HVAC system. Maintaining a slight negative pressure can help prevent smoke infiltration, which can be done by adjusting dampers and blower speeds. It is essential to monitor these settings regularly, especially during smoke events, to ensure they remain effective in preventing outdoor air from compromising indoor air quality.

Logging preventive maintenance (PM) activities is a third critical step. Record all adjustments made to the HVAC system, including the time, date, and personnel involved. This documentation not only aids in compliance with local regulations but also provides an asset for future reference and maintenance reviews.

Lastly, effective communication with occupants regarding safety measures is paramount. Establish protocols for informing employees and patrons about operational changes when smoke days occur. Regularly update them on actions taken to ensure their health and safety, such as the status of air filtration systems and any necessary changes in building occupancy. By following these steps, offices and restaurants can significantly enhance their preparedness for wildfire smoke events, ensuring the comfort and safety of their occupants while remaining compliant with local regulations.