A breath of fresh air?

In-person teaching is being reintroduced in the UK this month. We’re looking at ways to monitor and improve air quality in schools (and other workplaces) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

monitor indoor air quality in schools

COVID-safe schools

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve been told that meeting outdoors is far safer than being inside. We’re looking at ways to bring people back inside, while minimising the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.

Monitoring CO2 levels can give a good indication of ventilation in an indoor space. There is increasing evidence to suggest that CO2 levels correlate with the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The majority of carbon dioxide in an indoor environment comes from breathing. This is particularly true in a classroom situation; with little computer equipment and a large group of students.

Improving indoor air quality in schools can be as simple as creating an alert when CO2 levels rise above a critical amount (e.g. 1000 ppm). When an alert is triggered, the teacher can open a window or door, and allow fresh air to circulate.

We stock a range of LoRaWAN sensors that measure CO2, temperature and humidity. This can be a great place to start for monitoring indoor air quality in schools.

Further health benefits

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers had started to investigate the effects of indoor air quality on health. This is particularly important in schools, as children can develop conditions such as asthma through poor air quality.

To dive a bit deeper into factors affecting indoor air quality; we need to look a bit further than carbon dioxide. We can also look at VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and particulate matter (PM).

In a school environment, you’d expect to find VOCs in things like art and craft supplies, cleaning products and new carpets/vinyl flooring. Particulate matter is mostly from dust and smoke (including car exhaust fumes and cooking smoke). Ensuring adequate ventilation when children are exposed to VOCs or particulate matter is key to their long-term health.

Our indoor air quality sensors allow you to measure a wide range of different parameters. You can get a complete understanding of the air quality levels in your school or educational setting.

We also supply outdoor air quality sensors. These can give you an idea of other environmental pollutants such as ozone or NOx. These generally come from traffic or industrial sources, so would be more relevant to schools in urban areas.

A learning opportunity

Improved indoor air quality in schools is known to have positive health benefits for children. But why not build on your project by getting your students involved?

Our LoRaWAN sensors communicate with a centralised gateway. The information is then sent to an easy-to-use dashboard where you can access the data. Create a science project to monitor air quality in your classroom using real statistics. Invite them to make suggestions on how air quality could be improved.

We also offer proof of concept kits so you can quickly and easily get your project up and running. Create a custom proof of concept kit to include air quality sensors and get to grips with the technology on a small scale.

COVID-19 IoT Solutions
Find out more

To find out more about how you could use technology to make your workplace safer, visit our COVID-19 solutions page. Alternatively, contact a member of our team for help and advice on your IoT project.

How can IoT help with Ventilation in the Workplace?

Ventilation in the workplace with Alliot Technologies

Ventilation has long been a requirement in the workplace. Now, as we head into winter ventilation is more important than ever in helping to create a COVID-secure workplace. We’ve taken a look at the latest guidance and how LoRaWAN air quality sensors could help.

It’s outlined by the HSE that all workplaces need an adequate supply of fresh air. This is often achieved naturally from doors and windows, or can be controlled through HVAC systems. But, as we enter into the colder months, having windows and doors open is not always practical (least not in the UK!). What’s more, with the added complication of COVID-19, there’s now even more reason to ensure air flow rates are maintained at the recommended rate.

The WHO has reported that HVAC systems can both positively and negatively affect the risk of pathogen spread. Re-circulation of air is not recommended. If air is being circulated, it is recommended that filters are cleaned regularly. This is where IoT can come in.

Meet the enLink Status-AF

Monitor ventilation in the workplace with the enLink Status-AF

The enLink Status-AF LoRaWAN air flow sensor is specially designed to monitor and ensure recommended air flow rates. It can be easily installed into the area you wish to monitor, with no interference to any existing equipment you may have running. Recorded data is then transmitted to your chosen dashboard via a LoRaWAN gateway. Alerts can be pre-configured to be automatically raised if ari flow rates are outside of your set parameters, enabling you to take quick action if it’s required.

Protection Against Your Investment

Despite its importance right now, ventilation in the workplace is here to stay. Using IoT in monitoring your air flow rates can help to create a COVID-secure workplace, but it can also be useful to: