Hospital Ventilation in the COVID-19 Era

ASHRAE Standard 170 survived pandemic and is ready for next edition

By By Dan Hounsell


The COVID-19 pandemic tested nearly every component, system and process in healthcare facilities, and perhaps no system underwent more scrutiny than HVAC systems

And through it all, two truths emerged for the committee charged with the 2021 edition of the American National Standards Institute/ASHRAE/American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) Standard 170, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. First, the standard survived a pandemic, and second, the standard was prepared for its next edition, according to Health Facilities Management

There are a variety of better and best practice measures that the Standard 170 committee is assembling into guidance that might constitute a future white paper, but discussions of possible changes to the standard reveals that the core elements and strictures of ventilation for infection control have weathered the year as well as any other aspect of the environment of care. 



April 6, 2021


Topic Area: HVAC


Recent Posts

The Growing Crisis in Rural Healthcare Facilities

Outdated buildings, reactive planning and complex funding are forcing rural leaders to rethink their strategies.


A Cleaning Alternative: The Benefits of Steam Technology

Cleaning is essential in healthcare facilities, but traditional disinfectants have harmful chemicals. Researchers say that steam technology may be the solution.


Novant Health Gets Approval for New Hospital and Freestanding Emergency Department

The new facilities will elevate access to healthcare in North Carolina’s fastest-growing county.


Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Severe Thunderstorms

Hardening plans and collaboration with local stakeholders can aid in prep for severe weather.


University of South Carolina Opens New Brain Health Center

The center is aimed at expanding access to specialized care for patients with cognitive conditions.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.