The US and UK have been called two countries "separated by a common language". Design practices in hospital ventilation systems may be a perfect example. While many practices are similar, there are substantial differences. The US standard is ASHRAE 170-2013, Ventilation for Health Care Facilities (S170). The UK standard is Healthcare Technical Memorandum 03-01: Specialized ventilation for healthcare premises (HTM 03-01). This paper provides an overview of similarities and differences between the two standards. It examines requirements of S170, and seeks out comparable requirements in HTM 03-01. The authors hope that the US standard can incorporate learnings, and capture best practices from its UK counterpart. Some key findings are:
- S170 may, in the long run, benefit from more explanation, particularly around infection control, and how healthcare ventilation relates to other non-residential ventilation practices.
- Specialty ventilation may be over-applied in S170. Many spaces covered may be responsibly ventilated by the normal, non-residential design practices.
- Filtration of air may also be over-specified in S170 in less critical areas. Appropriate sources of clean air could be re-assessed, including natural ventilation.
- Design of isolation spaces might be improved by adopting the hierarchy of cleanliness, emphasis on clean air path, and design for open door conditions.
- S170 might augment its benifit to the quality of the patient environment by referencing or considering acoustics, and a more conventional comfort design approach.
- Humidification may be over-applied in S170. Specific clarifications of humidity non-comfort affects could be helpful.
- Cross-contamination of air in energy recovery devices may be over-regulated.
- A stronger recommendation for commissioning of health care ventilation systems might be considered. In particular, testing to assure operating room air cleanliness seems prudent.
- Appendices and recommendations for operations could be stronger.
Citation: ASHRAE Papers: 2015 ASHRAE Winter Conference, Chicago, IL
Product Details
- Published:
- 2015
- Number of Pages:
- 8
- File Size:
- 1 file , 1.6 MB
- Product Code(s):
- D-CH-15-C020