2 Hospital Deaths Cast Focus on Aging Infrastructure

An accident has drawn steam-powered energy systems into the spotlight


Aging infrastructures are hardly a new challenge for the nation;s institutional and commercial facilities. For decades, facility managers have sounded the alarm that deferred maintenance of aging boilers, chillers, electricity and water distribution systems, roofs and facades are creating bottom line issues for their organizations. They also create potential hazards for the front-line technicians who inspect, repair and maintain them, as investigators into the deaths of two workers at a Connecticut hospital are learning. 

An accident that killed two people at the Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in West Haven earlier this month has drawn steam-powered energy systems into the spotlight, according to LMTOnline. Investigators are saying superheated water vapor “rapidly filled the room and building” where work was being done on a steam system that services the hospital. That led to what investigators described as “a pressure event” that killed two workers. VA officials have said workers replaced a leaking steam pipe in the outer building on the campus and the accident occurred as the line was refilled with steam.

Robert Wilkie, U.S. secretary of Veteran’s Affairs, promised following the deadly accident that “changes are coming soon” to the West Haven system’s infrastructure. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he would push for federal funding to address aging VA facilities nationwide.

 

Click here to read the article.



November 30, 2020



Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.