AOb: 'Considerable catch-up is needed for ventilation of schools'
Of all approximately 9300 school buildings in primary and secondary education, only some 2800 have proven to have proper ventilation. This is evident from the investigation by the National Coordination Team for ventilation in schools. Information about the other buildings is often missing.
Source: Piqsels
In recent weeks, the National Coordination Team for ventilation in schools has been investigating the state of ventilation in primary and secondary education. With the disclaimer that we do not yet know to what extent ventilation helps to prevent the spread of covid-19, but hey: if it does not help, it does not harm. Or, in official terms: "In a general sense, ventilation can help to limit respiratory infections."
Norms
Ordered before the research 1289 school boards were contacted with a total of 9331 buildings. The questionnaire was completed for 7340 38 buildings, but it was not always complete. 'Of the school buildings for which answers have been received, 2789 percent meet the requested standards,' said the researchers. That is 11 schools. The authorities indicate that 800 percent of the buildings (there are over XNUMX) do not meet the standards. 'These school boards will have to work with the local GGD or health and safety expert and the municipality.'
For almost half of the schools, the question could not yet be answered, for example because no CO2 meter was available.
A little oxygen can do no harm when it comes to good learning
“If we just look at the big picture,” says AObdirector Henrik de Moel, “We do not yet know whether the ventilation is in order for two thirds of all school buildings. That is worrisome. Because apart from corona, it is in any case better if classrooms are well ventilated. A little oxygen doesn't hurt when it comes to learning well. ”
According to De Moel, the government must now assume its responsibility. “In any case, the ventilation of more than eight hundred buildings has proven to be out of order. If it stays that way, we can be very happy. There is quite a big problem here, but also an opportunity. As a history teacher, I always teach my students that the government should invest in difficult economic times. So now is the perfect time to do that. This is an opportunity to invest in well-ventilated schools for now and for the future. ”
McKinsey
The researchers themselves recommend putting ventilation 'broadly on the agenda'. The topic should also be linked to a recent one recommendation from agency McKinsey to solve the shortage of money for educational housing (in technical terms: 'under-investment').
Minister Arie Slob has already announced that he will release 360 million euros for this matter. But as co-financing, which means that schools and municipalities have to contribute 70 percent themselves.
In winter, opening windows and doors in classrooms is less obvious
The researchers also point out that schools need practical measures to put the ventilation in order in the short term. 'Also with a view to the coming winter months, because in colder weather opening windows and doors in classrooms is less obvious.' As of today, schools can turn to for that advice weeropschool.nl/ventilation.
Building Decree
Incidentally, the experts did not start from the paper rules when researching ventilation. Because there are quite a few and different building regulations also apply to different types of buildings. Instead, schools were asked to keep track of the CO2 concentration in classrooms, because this figure gives a good indication of the degree of ventilation: the more CO2, the less there is apparently ventilation.
East side
The researchers advised the schools to choose two classrooms on the east side of the school building (usually less windy than on the west side), with older students (because they exude more CO2) and a full occupancy. Subsequently, the CO2 content had to be monitored during the course day.
All rooms must meet the minimum requirements
'During the measurements, let the teacher operate the windows as he or she normally would,' was the advice to the schools. 'So do not deliberately keep the windows closed or ventilate a lot for the measurement.' And if there are different ventilation systems in the school, choose the room with the worst system. 'After all, all classrooms must meet the minimum requirements.'
Infected
According to the RIVM, most children are not infected at school, but at home. Education comes second. Last week, thirteen young children (from four to eleven years old) were infected at school or daycare. That is 23 percent of the total number of infections in this group. Of the older children (twelve to seventeen years old) who contracted corona, 12 percent became infected at school or after-school care.
Germany
In Germany In the meantime, experts recommend opening the school windows wide open every twenty minutes (three to five minutes): the so-called Burst ventilation. During breaks, the door can also be opened to allow the rooms to air out.
