Facilities Management protecting air quality in CSU buildings

Strict guidelines

Facilities Management also has enacted a variety of health measures to keep buildings and occupants healthy.

Daily flush of building air prior to occupancy: Ventilation systems are operated to flush all the air in a building a minimum period of 2 hours prior to the start of each day, and for 2 hours at the completion of each day.

Filtration upgrades: Filtration efficiency in existing ventilation systems has been increased on a temporary basis during the pandemic. This involves applying the highest Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value air filters applicable for the building ventilation system, and in specific situations, using High Efficiency Particulate Air units in the classroom.

LEED buildings: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED-certified buildings incorporate much of the ASHRAE guidance for COVID-19, for instance, air filtration. CSU currently has 30 LEED buildings and that will continue to grow. 

Cleaning Protocols:

• All custodial cleaning protocols follow CDC guidelines and protocols, including using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 and personal protective equipment.

• All custodial staff have been trained in CDC-approved protocols and provided appropriate equipment.

• Custodial staff will practice social distancing, wear facial coverings, and follow proper prevention hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and using alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

• Staff are cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch surfaces in public areas daily, including tables, chairs, doors, handrails, light switches, countertops, toilets/sinks, etc. Facilities Management will not clean keyboards, touchscreens or any electronic equipment; users and instructors will be responsible for cleaning before and after use.

• Custodial staff are cleaning all horizontal and vertical surfaces daily in elevators, classrooms, conference rooms, entrances/lobbies, restrooms and lounges. Facilities Management staff will only clean exterior surfaces of appliances, including microwaves, refrigerators, toaster ovens, etc. Departments are responsible for interior appliance cleaning.

• Per CDC guidelines, staff will not spray disinfectant on sidewalks or other outdoor areas as it is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public.

• If a room has been determined to have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the room will not be accessed by custodial staff for 24 hours, after which the room will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected per CDC and public health guidelines.