PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. — As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, ASHRAE has published a new resource aimed at safeguarding IAQ.
ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation, and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed-burn smoke, a press release from ASHRAE said.
“The frequency, intensity, and duration of wildland fire events have grown significantly in recent years, threatening air quality and public health,” said ASHRAE president M. Dennis Knight. “This guideline equips building professionals with comprehensive recommendations to mitigate smoke intrusion and maintain healthier indoor environments. Protecting building occupants from the harmful effects of wildfire smoke is critical to preserving their health and overall well-being.”
Key features of Guideline 44-2024, according to ASHRAE, are:
• Applicability: Designed for commercial buildings, institutional facilities (including healthcare), multiunit residential buildings, and designated safe spaces for temporary occupancy during smoke events.
• Focus on vulnerable populations: Includes tailored recommendations for spaces occupied by at-risk groups, such as children and the elderly.
• Comprehensive guidance on best practices: Considerations for the design phase for new construction and retrofits, as well as on the installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of building envelopes, ventilation systems, and air-cleaning technologies to mitigate smoke infiltration and improve IAQ.
Click here to purchase Guideline 44-2024, or contact ASHRAE Customer Contact Center at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), or fax ASHRAE at 678-539-2129.
