The guidelines' recommendations address:
• Physical security of ventilation systems
• Airflow and filtration
• Systems maintenance
• Program administration
• Maintenance staff training.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in HHS prepared the guidelines with input and review by the Office of Homeland Security's (OHS) Interagency Workgroup on Building Air Protection and more than 30 other federal agencies, state and local organizations, and professional associations. The AIA was among the organizations provided the opportunity to review and comment on the draft guidelines.

"This guidance offers reasonable and practical measures to reduce the likelihood of a contaminant attack and minimize the impact if one occurs," U. S. Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said in a press release issued by HHS. "This effort demonstrates how the federal government and the private sector can work together to make our nation more secure."

The guidelines offer a first step toward developing more comprehensive guidance for protecting building ventilation systems. They recommend that protective measures be tailored to fit the individual building based on factors that include perceived risk associated with the building and its tenants, engineering and architectural feasibility, and cost.

"Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks," DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-139, is available on the NIOSH Web page. Copies also can be obtained by calling the NIOSH toll-free information number, 800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674).

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.