CO2 Levels

Summary

The requester asked for CO2 monitor counts, record frequencies, and a full breakdown of CO2 levels in Isle of Man schools from September to November 2021. The Department of Education provided the number of monitors and one week of data (15-19 November 2021) but could not supply the full historical breakdown or record counts due to a one-week data retention policy.

Key Facts

• The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold the number of times records for each monitor have been taken.
• CO2 sensor data is automatically sent hourly but only retained for a period of one week.
• The requested full breakdown of CO2 levels from September 6 to November 12 could not be provided due to data retention limits.
• The department provided enclosed data covering the period from 15 to 19 November 2021.
• High CO2 readings trigger the deployment of HEPA air purifiers, though the primary policy remains opening windows for ventilation.

Data Disclosed

• 2091473
• 2021-11-15
• 2021-12-13
• September 6
• November 12
• 15 to 19 November 2021
• one week
• hourly
• IM1 5EZ
• 01624 685808

Exemptions Cited

• Information not held by the Department
• Data retention policy limits (only one week of data retained)

Original Request

I seek the publication of A) the number of CO2 monitors currently installed in each educational establishment on the island, B) how many times the records for each monitor has been taken, C) a full breakdown of each establishment's CO2 levels.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Corporate Services Division Department of Education, Sport and Culture Hamilton House Peel Road, Douglas IM1 5EZ Telephone: (01624) 685808 Website: www.gov.im/dec Email: dec@foi.gov.im Our ref: 2091473 13 December 2021

Dear ###,

We write further to your request which was received on 15 November 2021 and which states:

"I seek the publication of A) the number of CO2 monitors currently installed in each educational establishment on the island, B) how many times the records for each monitor has been taken, C) a full breakdown of each establishment's CO2 levels." Our clarification request In order to identify and locate the information that you have asked for we needed to clarify what information you were seeking in relation to part C of the request and if this is for a specific time period. You advised “Part C was for the full breakdown of each school's recorded levels of CO2 taken from these monitors in whatever form they are recorded per week from September 6 to November 12 inclusive.” Our response to your request is as follows: Number of carbon dioxide monitors We have enclosed the information that is held which details the number of sensors distributed to each educational establishment. Number of times records have been taken
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find some of the information that you have requested. The number of times the records for each monitor has been taken is not held by the Department. This is because the carbon dioxide sensors automatically send data on an hourly basis and the Department only retain data for a period of one week at a time.

Each educational establishment’s carbon dioxide levels While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Department does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find some of the information that you have requested. This is because the Department only retain data for a period of one week at a time and therefore unable to provide the recorded levels of carbon dioxide from September 6 to November 12 inclusive. We have enclosed the information that is held. This data is from 15 to 19 November 2021. The Department of Education, Sport and Culture works closely with the Department of Infrastructure, which maintains schools, to review Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitor data. If a high CO2 reading is identified, an air purifier is deployed to clean and circulate the classroom’s air using a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. However, this does not reduce CO2 levels, so our policy remains to open windows and doors where possible to increase ventilation for our students and staff. Letting fresh air into indoor spaces, such as classrooms, can help remove air that contains virus particles and is important in preventing the spread of Covid-19, along with wearing a face covering and testing regularly. Please quote the reference number 2091473 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision.

More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.