Assessing a Building's Vulnerability and Taking Preventive Measures

"The HVAC system of any building is the prime line of defense against emergencies and hazards," says Leo A. Meyer, the author of HVAC Security and Safety--for Vulnerability Assessment. Just released by LAMA Books, the book addresses the immediate need to assess risks to our structures and their inhabitants and take preventive measures. "The HVAC system of any building is largely responsible for the comfort, safety, and healthy working conditions of its occupants," says Meyer. "It can spread disaster as quickly as it spreads conditioned air," he reports.

The author of over 50 books in the HVAC industry, Meyer targets the scope of the problem and how to evaluate risks, and offers solutions to make HVAC systems as safe and secure as possible. He identifies and discusses the HVAC system's role in emergencies and hazards to any building. Emergencies include terrorist or criminal attacks, natural disasters, blackouts, fire, riots and demonstrations. Among the hazards covered in HVAC Security and Safety are biological contaminants--bacteria, viruses, Legionnaires' Disease, toxic mold--as well as chemical fumes such as VOC's, carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, and asbestos.

The book features user-friendly checklists for surveying the HVAC system. Additional topics include:

Forming a Safety and Security Team;

Conducting a vulnerability assessment walk-through;

Identifying 17 high risk HVAC areas;