A guide to best practices in hospital IAQ

IAQ is a significant issue in health care. Airborne organisms common in the environment can pose a serious threat to a patient who is immune-compromised. To deliver IAQ appropriate for an environment of care, facility managers, contractors, and maintenance personnel should take action in four areas:...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News Heating & Refrigeration News, 2007-11, Vol.232 (12), p.9
Main Author: Streifel, Andrew J
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Air quality management
Airborne particulates
Environmental aspects
Environmental protection
Guidelines
Health aspects
Hospitals
Humidity
Indoor air quality
Infections
Methods
Microorganisms
Mold
Outdoor air quality
Patients
Temperature
Tuberculosis
Ventilation
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds
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Summary:IAQ is a significant issue in health care. Airborne organisms common in the environment can pose a serious threat to a patient who is immune-compromised. To deliver IAQ appropriate for an environment of care, facility managers, contractors, and maintenance personnel should take action in four areas: 1. Set up administrative controls. 2. Understand facility function and design requirements. 3. Monitor and document air quality and system performance to guide system operation and maintenance. 4. Develop contingency plans to guide responses when construction and renovation projects arise or emergencies occur. In addition, hospitals are expected to carefully assess the risks construction activity raises for air quality and infection control. There is plenty to consider in order to maintain appropriate IAQ in a health care surrounding. Some medical procedures and patient conditions increase risk of exposure to airborne microorganisms. Air quality management is vital in reducing these risks. When it comes to air quality issues, hospital facility managers face a significant challenge.
ISSN:0002-2276
2328-1111