When one thinks about building security one will most likely think “terrorist attack.” Some will think of life safety, access control, or surveillance systems managed from the building’s security control center. Seldom does one think about building security pertaining to HVAC systems beyond threats involving breathable air, such as the introduction of toxic chemicals through air intake louvers. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the need to have a HVAC security plan in place for non-nefarious but unplanned events such as non-terrorist incidents/accidents and natural events that can have a significant effect on an existing building’s HVAC systems that apply to all facility applications. O&M is key to mitigating the effects of such situations.
When the 2011 ASHRAE Handbook — HVAC Applications was published, Chapter 58 had been significantly revised, including changing its title to “HVAC security” in an effort to shed light on design intent, construction administration, commissioning and recommissioning, and some of the possible effects on buildings, their systems, and their occupants. A three-topic seminar was also provided that year at the ASHRAE annual meeting to further educate those in attendance of the importance of everyday HVAC security awareness and the importance of considering it when doing building management planning