Members Menu

Members Forum

Natascha Dietz 07.08.2025

Indoor Air Quality

Good morning, following on from a visit by the Health and Safety Authority to our hospital, I was requested to carry out an indoor air quality risk assessment on the basis of the document ‘Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality’ (HSA, 2023). On the day, the inspector was very keen on the use of CO2 monitors and mentioned a direct link between raised CO2 readings and Covid-19 outbreaks. I’ve done some research since but couldn’t find enough evidence to support this claim. Is the use of CO2 monitors something that is recommended in healthcare facilities? Also, the use of HEPA filters was mentioned but again, it’s very hard to find guidance on their use (e.g. in which settings or situations) based on evidence. I have done the risk assessment as requested, but am still unsure on how to proceed with these two items. Our hospital is a small community type hospital, an older building with only windows for ventilation. As our biggest risk I would see the two 12-bedded nightingale wards. I would be very grateful for your advice on this!

2

Add a Comment

  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Mona Liza Marinas 19.08.2025

Hi Natascha,

We have used CO2 monitor in our organisation to identify or demonstrate factors that increase the level of CO2 in a shared room during the pandemic. The thought behind use of CO2 monitor is not to measure air quality but to demonstrate the build up of CO2 where ventilation is poor (No fresh air intake or flow due to closed doors/window).
It helped us with our risk assessment on maintaining good air flow in a shared bay or communal room. What we found is that by opening a door or window regularly (hourly for 5 minutes)in a single/shared room used for isolation of patients, the CO2 level goes down and we interpret this as fresh air flowing in the room therefore diluting air inside a confined area improving ventilation.

happy to chat about this matter with you if it helps 🙂 [email protected]

James Smith 22.08.2025

Hi Natascha,

We may be able to help you with some information on potential solutions for HEPA and UVC Air Purification systems. Happy to discuss further if you are interested – [email protected].