Copyright© 2024 Augmintech, All rights reserved.
ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 and Its Importance in Healthcare
Facebook
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Ventilation systems in healthcare facilities play a pivotal role in maintaining air quality, ensuring patient safety, and preventing the spread of airborne infections. ASHRAE Standard 170-2017, titled “Ventilation of Health Care Facilities,” provides comprehensive guidelines for designing and maintaining ventilation systems tailored to the unique demands of healthcare environments.
In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of ASHRAE Standard 170-2017, discuss its significance, and provide practical tips for HVAC professionals working on healthcare projects.
Table of Contents
What is ASHRAE Standard 170-2017?
ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 outlines ventilation requirements specifically for healthcare facilities, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and nursing homes. This standard ensures that ventilation systems:
Maintain optimal indoor air quality to safeguard patient and staff health.
Control temperature and humidity levels to prevent microbial growth and ensure comfort.
Provide pressure control to prevent cross-contamination between rooms and spaces.
Facilitate infection control in critical spaces such as operating rooms, isolation rooms, and intensive care units.
This standard is often used alongside ASHRAE 62.1 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) and NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) to ensure comprehensive compliance and safety.
Download ASHRAE 170-2017 PDF
For a detailed understanding of the requirements, download the official ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 document here. Note: Access may require ASHRAE membership or purchase.
Key Requirements of ASHRAE Standard 170-2017
Air Change Rates
Specifies the minimum air change rates per hour (ACH) for various healthcare spaces:
Operating Rooms: Minimum 20 ACH to ensure sterile conditions.
Patient Rooms: Minimum 6 ACH to maintain air quality.
Isolation Rooms: Minimum 12 ACH to contain contaminants.
Pressurization
Positive pressure is required in operating rooms to prevent contaminants from entering.
Negative pressure is mandated for isolation rooms to contain infectious particles.
Balanced pressure requirements for spaces like pharmacies to maintain safety during chemical handling.
Filtration
Mandates the use of MERV 14 or higher filters in critical areas.
Recommends HEPA filters for isolation rooms and operating suites to capture airborne contaminants effectively.
Temperature and Humidity Control
Temperature: Maintains a range of 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C) in patient care areas.
Relative Humidity: Keeps levels between 30% and 60% to minimize microbial growth while ensuring comfort.
Outdoor Air Requirements
Specifies minimum outdoor air ventilation rates to ensure a consistent supply of fresh air. For example:
Operating rooms: 4 ACH of outdoor air.
Patient rooms: 2 ACH of outdoor air.
Exhaust and Recirculation Limits
Requires 100% exhaust air for areas like isolation rooms and laboratories to prevent contamination.
Limits recirculated air in sensitive zones to maintain high air quality.
Common Questions About ASHRAE 170-2017
Why is ASHRAE 170-2017 essential for healthcare facilities?
This standard is vital because healthcare environments house vulnerable individuals with weakened immune systems. Proper ventilation reduces the risk of airborne transmission of diseases, safeguards staff health, and creates a comfortable environment conducive to recovery.
How does ASHRAE 170 differ from general HVAC standards?
Unlike general standards such as ASHRAE 62.1, which focus on indoor air quality for residential and commercial spaces, ASHRAE 170 addresses the unique needs of healthcare facilities. It emphasizes infection control, precision in air movement, and environmental parameters tailored to patient safety.
What are the challenges in implementing ASHRAE 170?
Cost: High-quality filtration systems and advanced HVAC designs increase upfront costs.
Retrofitting Challenges: Adapting older healthcare buildings to meet modern standards can be complex.
Energy Usage: Maintaining high air change rates and pressurization increases energy consumption.
How can professionals ensure compliance with ASHRAE 170?
Regularly inspect and maintain HVAC systems to meet performance criteria.
Use simulation tools like Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, or Revit MEP to model compliance.
Train staff to identify and resolve system inefficiencies promptly.
Real-Life Hacks for HVAC Professionals
Use Energy Recovery Systems: Minimize energy waste by installing heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).
Design for Flexibility: Incorporate modular HVAC designs to allow easy upgrades or modifications in the future.
Monitor Airflows Continuously: Use automated systems to track airflows, temperature, and pressure differentials in real-time.
Optimize Filter Replacement Schedules: Develop a predictive maintenance plan to replace filters efficiently without compromising air quality.
Interview Tips for HVAC Roles in Healthcare Projects
Master the Standards: Be well-versed in ASHRAE 170, 62.1, and NFPA 99. Mention specific examples during interviews where you implemented these standards successfully.
Highlight Problem-Solving: Share case studies or experiences where you overcame design challenges, such as integrating isolation rooms into existing HVAC systems.
Demonstrate Software Expertise: Show proficiency in tools like Revit MEP, Trane TRACE, and Carrier HAP to simulate and optimize designs.
Showcase Communication Skills: Emphasize your ability to collaborate with architects, engineers, and healthcare administrators to deliver compliant and efficient systems.
Download ASHRAE 170-2017 PDF
For a detailed understanding of the requirements, download the official ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 document here. Note: Access may require ASHRAE membership or purchase.
Conclusion
ASHRAE Standard 170-2017 is a cornerstone for HVAC professionals working in the healthcare sector. Its detailed guidelines ensure that healthcare facilities maintain safe, efficient, and compliant ventilation systems. By understanding its requirements and incorporating best practices, you can design systems that prioritize patient safety, energy efficiency, and infection control.
Whether you’re designing a new facility or retrofitting an existing one, adhering to ASHRAE 170-2017 is essential for creating a healthier, safer environment. Start implementing these standards today to enhance your expertise and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes.
Take the Next Step in Your HVAC Career
Ready to Excel in HVAC Design and Drafting? Our HVAC Design & Drafting Course provides the hands-on skills and industry knowledge you need to secure high-paying roles and advance in the field. From in-depth system design to real-world troubleshooting, our course has it all.
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Print
