The SCFA filed a Request for Information concerning the campus-wide assessment of air exchange rates with the office Labor Relations, on March 17, 2023.
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Thank you for fulfilling the recent RFI request to provide information on air flow exchange in several rooms in Social Sciences 2.
We know the campus has paid attention to air flow exchange since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and worked hard to make changes to HVAC systems in order to maximize air flow exchange rates across campus. This move has been highlighted by the CDC as an important measure of mitigation. Through the RFI requests, we have learned that some spaces are not equipped for HVAC air flow, which is concerning for immune-compromised members in our bargaining unit, and those over 50 years old. Given that masks are no longer required (although recommended) on campus, and due to the potential for reduced vaccine protection over time, the importance of adequate air flow exchange rates in classrooms and work spaces takes on an even more important role in keeping members of our community safer.
Although we know it is laborious, we request air flow exchange rates for all classrooms and work spaces, so members of our unit and the broader campus community can make informed decisions regarding where to host work events, where masking is of increased importance, and the like. We also request you alert the campus to the fact that not all work spaces are at the minimum recommended air flow exchange rate of 5 whole room air exchanges per hour (as per the CDC, ASHRAE, the California Department of Public Health, and multiple scholarly articles and reports) and provide an opportunity for those who are immune-compromised and/or over 50 years old to have their work spaces assessed first, as we know it will take some time to compile information that is comprehensive. Along these lines, we request priority assessment of rooms Hum 1 rm 202 and Hum 1 rm 210.
Upon completion of this review, we request that air flow exchange rates in all classrooms, common areas, and work spaces be made publicly available so that members of our community may make informed decisions.
Sincerely,
Jessica Taft and Steve McKay
SCFA Co-Chairs