Up to that moment the main document regulating the quality of the microclimate and air exchange in classrooms and other school rooms was the Sanitary Rules and Norms of arrangement and maintenance of general education establishments and organization of the educational process of the State Sanitary Rules and Standards (GosSyPin-2001). However, 20 years have passed since this document was developed, and it no longer meets modern requirements.

On January 1, 2021, the Sanitary Regulations for General Secondary Educational Institutions came into force. The document was developed by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and regulates the settings of heating, ventilation and lighting of educational institutions.

What changes are made to school ventilation?

The main innovation of the Sanitary Regulations is control of air quality indicators in classrooms. It is assumed that schools, at least twice a year, should ensure laboratory control (at least 6 measurements) of CO2 and CO levels in classrooms. Before the beginning of the school year in classrooms where renovations have been arranged or new furniture has been brought in, it is mandatory to measure the level of formaldehyde and other chemical compounds in the air of the premises.

The regulations specify the limits of permissible concentrations of air pollutants:

• Up to 0.01 mg/m3 – CO2;
• up to 5,0 mg/m3 – CO;
• Not more than 0.01 mg/m3 of formaldehyde.

What does this mean for schools?

School administrators are faced with the task of controlling not only the amount of ventilation in classrooms, but also controlling the quality of air in classrooms. Obviously, schools do not have the equipment to make the necessary measurements. And given the cost of professional laboratory equipment not all schools will be able to be equipped with it in the near future. Alternatively, schools can invite professional experts with the necessary equipment to perform air quality measurements in classrooms. How to dispose of the measurement results the Sanitary Regulations do not specify.

Will the Sanitary Regulations improve air quality?

Monitoring air quality in classrooms is certainly a useful tool for creating and maintaining a healthy microclimate. However, such monitoring should not be done twice a year, but daily 1 in all rooms where children are present. Ideally 1 combines air control and ventilation. Modern supply and exhaust ventilation systems with air quality sensors monitor the level of hazardous substances in the air every second and change the ventilation mode automatically. This approach creates a truly safe environment for children’s learning and development.

Will the Health Regulations improve it?

Monitoring air quality in classrooms is certainly a useful tool for creating and maintaining a healthy microclimate. However, such monitoring should not be done twice a year, but daily 1 in all rooms where children are present. Ideally 1 combines air control and ventilation. Modern supply and exhaust ventilation systems with air quality sensors monitor the level of hazardous substances in the air every second and change the ventilation mode automatically. This approach creates a truly safe environment for children’s learning and development.