The EMSB Material Resources Department is currently finalizing the installation of carbon dioxide (CO2) detectors in schools. Over 71% of classrooms are already equipped with wall units.  Music rooms, laboratories and other non-classrooms will be equipped soon.

According to the letter sent by the Ministry of Education in January, a CO2 concentration of under 1000 ppm is desirable, but should not exceed 2000ppm.

Below are some tips to help better ventilate classrooms in naturally ventilated buildings:

• Crack open one or more windows when students arrive while maintaining a comfortable room temperature;
• When students are not present, open windows as wide as possible to promote air circulation;
• Keep the classroom door open if possible;
• Open vasistas (small windows above classroom doors) if they exist;
• Create additional air circulation by opening corridor windows and keeping the doors of the other rooms on the floor open.
• Make sure to maintain an ambient temperature above 20°C. A balance between temperature and CO2 levels are recommended.

For mechanically ventilated buildings, no action is necessary until CO2 levels exceed 1000 ppm. Then, measures such as opening windows should be taken to start the ventilation process.

If the CO2 levels exceed 2000 ppm in either case, please inform the school administration who should apply the required corrective measures established by Material Resources.

Your occupational health and safety committee