AQW 23775/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 06/10/2021
Answered On Date: 20/10/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the thresholds for acceptable levels of CO2 in classrooms; (ii) the advice given to schools once these levels are exceeded; and (iii) the support available to schools to improve ventilation in classrooms long term.

Answer:

The Education Authority (EA) has advised me that:

(i) A consistent CO2 value < 800 parts per million (ppm) is likely to indicate that a space is well ventilated but does not mean that an environment is free of COVID-19 risks. Sustained high (> 1500ppm) CO2 values are likely to indicate overcrowding or poor ventilation where mitigating actions are likely to be required.

(ii) Schools have been advised:

to aim for < 800ppm where possible by ensuring rooms are ventilated;

for 801 – 1000ppm to provide additional ventilation by opening windows;

for 1001 – 1500ppm to provide significant ventilation by opening windows wider or opening more windows;

for 1500 – 2000ppm maximum ventilation is required; and

for sustained CO2 readings > 1500pm, schools should contact their Locality Maintenance Helpdesk for assistance.

(iii) As air ventilation is the most effective mitigating measure for COVID-19, the EA will continue to provide support to ensure that schools have the requisite level of air ventilation. The EA will also be undertaking a planned programme of window surveys to identify any minor works that may need to be carried out, including any steps to improve ventilation where appropriate. Surveys have commenced and any immediate repairs identified to address ventilation concerns will be completed within this financial year 21-22.