Ensuring a hygienic environment

Healthcare is a delicate issue. Meeting hygienic and safety standards are of immense importance for health and environment. In this regard, there are a number of conditions to follow in order to ensure that it is free ?from contamination.
Room air-conditioning: Air-conditioning systems in hospitals must ensure that the contamination of air with microorganisms is kept to a minimum, and that the limits imposed do not exceeded, while dust, anaesthetic gases and odorous substances are kept at bay. This applies to most facilities inside a hospital, especially in operating theatres, intensive care units and maternity wards.
- Minimise the level of microorganisms in the air, particularly in protection zones (operating table, instrument trolley and labs)
- Ensure strict room air-conditions (differential pressure, temperature ?and humidity)
- Limit the concentration of various substances in their specified zones
- Prevent the spread of fire by using?fire dampers
- Prevent the spread of smoke by using a powered smoke exhaust system
 
An effective and efficient ventilation and air-conditioning system provide a hygienic and safe environment. Improved indoor air quality also helps patients recover quickly and staff to perform better.
For hygiene reasons, only a one-directional airflow is allowed in specific rooms, i.e. from sterile areas with a minimum germ count to less sterile areas, where the requirements are not quite as demanding. Smart control components and systems from TROX keep the two flows of air ?separate and make sure that air flows in the required direction.

Safe hygiene practice in aseptic areas: The most critical requirements apply to airflow in operating theatres. To prevent infections caused by airborne pathogens and ensure that standards of occupational medicine are followed, airflow and air filtration play a particularly important role.
 
Operating theatres: In operating theatres, ?as well as in pre-op and post-op units, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are extremely important.
 
Areas adjoined to operating theatres: The DIN 1946-4-12-2008 standard contains detailed definitions of the classes of rooms next to the operating theatres. 
In-patient wards: A sufficient supply of safe hygienic air is essential for rapid recovery. Innovative air terminal devices with adjustable air distribution elements respond fast and reduce air velocity.

Visitors' area: Hospitals are supposed to have clean and hygienic visitor areas and lobbies. They are important from a feedback perspective, as well as for the health of patients and visitors.

Staff area: Common rooms, meeting rooms or offices are not required to have a mechanical ventilation system, but scientists have long known the inspiring effect of good indoor air. Studies show that performance levels may increase by up to six per cent, if proper air supply channels are available.
In other words, investing into the refurbishment of existing ventilation and air-conditioning systems pays off. Scientists have calculated an economic benefit of up to $700 per year per employee. This sum can be saved due to better staff performance and fewer sick days.


Matthias Kasprowicz, Regional Managing Director, TROX Middle East