Gymnasiums

School Gymnasium Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues examined

School IAQ

Auditoriums

Classrooms

Corridors

Gymnasiums

Labs/Darkrooms

Libraries

Pool Areas

References

Shops

Gymnasiums are also considered a place of assembly. Like the other assembly areas, these areas present additional concerns and considerations. ASHRAE 62-1989 recommends a ventilation air rate of 20 CFM per person (based upon 30 people per 1,000 square feet). The primary contaminant in this case is bio-effluents produced by occupants with a high rate of metabolism. Temperature8 in a gymnasium should be maintained between 65° and 68° F with at least four to six air changes per hour. Minimum air filtration efficiency for these areas should be 30-35% dust spot as defined by ASHRAE Standard 52.1 -1992.

Most gymnasiums are not air-conditioned, although the trend appears headed towards year round use. If air conditioning is applied, Camfil Farr recommends the addition of carbon to
reduce bio-effluents and reduce the required outside air. For optimum performance, three stages of filtration are recommended 30-35% prefiltration, 80-85% secondary filtration and 50% rated efficiency carbon. Outside air may be reduced to 5 CFM per person using this methodology.

Additional consideration must be applied if occupancy increases, based upon the added metabolism and population of spectators for events. Some gymnasiums also serve a dual purpose in some facilities as an auditorium. In this case, outside air or total system CFM must be adjusted to accommodate a five -fold increase in occupancy (30 people per 1,000 square feet to 150 people per 1,000 square feet).