Before the latest addendum to the ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170-2017, filtration standards (table 6.4) for health care facilities were pretty broad and not very specific.
The new Addendum A for 170-2017 clarifies filtration requirements on a space-by-space basis as opposed to general areas. This allows you to be more precise with what type of filtration you have in your systems for certain areas.
The Addendum divides these areas into 3 sections. Table 7.1 is for inpatient, table 8.1 is for outpatient, and table 9.1 is for residential.
These latest standards for Ventilation of Health Care Facilities have been adopted by ASHRAE, The Joint Commission, and numerous State agencies around Texas and the United States and are now being enforced by code enforcement agencies.
Each section is broken down by the function of space that is then broken down by a specific area. You'll notice that the previous standards (table 6.4) for minimum filter efficiencies have a strike through it followed by the updated minimum efficiency so you can see what the difference is. You'll also be able to see whether or not this space needs to have negative or positive pressure.
Table 7.1 for inpatient function of space filtration standards is broken down as follows:
Nursing Units and Other Patient Care Areas
Behavioral and Mental Health Facilities
Diagnostic and Treatment
Patient Support Facilities
General Support Facilities: Sterile Processing
Other General Support Facilities
Support Areas for Nursing Units
Table 8.1 for the outpatient function of space filtration standards is broken down as follows:
Common Spaces in Outpatient Facilities
Spaces Specific to Particular Outpatient Facilities
Table 9.1 for the residential function of space filtration standards is broken down as follows:
Nursing Homes
Assisted Living Facilities
Hospice Facilities
Radiology
Service
Support Space
Again, these standards have been adopted by ASHRAE, The Joint Commission, and numerous State agencies around Texas and the United States and are now being enforced by code enforcement agencies.
If you're needing help making sure your units are using the right HVAC filtration for any given area, give us a call to make an appointment for us to have a conversation or for us to come and take a look at your unit's filters.
Email us today or call Tim at 806-470-0099
Understanding the importance of maintaining the highest standards of air quality in healthcare facilities, the updated HVAC filtration standards represent a significant step forward. HVAC Repair Diamond Bar company deeply committed to the well-being of patients and healthcare workers alike.