AT-15-C021 — Benchmarking the US Healthcare Ventilation Standard with the German Healthcare Ventilation Standard

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This paper is the next in a series of papers comparing US ventilation standards to similar standards used around the world. It follows “Benchmarking the US Healthcare Ventilation Standard with the UK Healthcare Ventilation Standard” from English, Moeller, and Mills. The next installment compares US ventilation practices to German practices. While many practices are similar, there are substantial differences. The US standard is ASHRAE 170-2013, Ventilation for Health Care Facilities (S170). The German standard is DIN 1946-4, Stand 2008/12: Raumluftechnische Anlagen in Gebaeuden und Raeumen des Gesundheitswesens [HVAC Systems in Healthcare Buildings and Rooms]. This paper provides an overview of similarities and differences between the two standards. It examines requirements of S170, and seeks out comparable requirements in DIN 1946-4. The authors hope that the US standard can incorporate learnings and capture best practices from its German counterpart. Some key findings are:1. S170 may, in the long run, benefit from more exposition, particularly around infection control, and how healthcare ventilation relates to other ventilation practices.2. Specialty ventilation may be over-applied in S170. Many spaces covered may be responsibly ventilated by the normal design practices.3. Filtration of air may also be under-specified in S170. Appropriate sources of clean air could be re-assessed, including natural ventilation.4. S170 might augment its benefit to the patient environment quality by referencing or considering acoustics, and a more conventional comfort design approach.5. Humidification may be over-applied. Specific clarifications of humidity non-comfort affects could be helpful.6. Cross-contamination of air in energy recovery devices may be under-regulated.7. A stronger recommendation for commissioning and continuous validation might be considered. In particular, testing to assure operating room cleanliness is achieved seems prudent.8. Appendices and recommendations for operations could be considerably stronger.

Product Details

Published:

2015

Number of Pages:

8

Units of Measure:

Dual

File Size:

1 file , 1.3 MB

Product Code(s):

D-AT-15-C021

Note:

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