There are workspaces across multiple industries in which the control of humidity and temperature of that workspace is actually vital. Hospital operating rooms are at the top of that list. When surgeons, nurses, and other hospital staff are working to treat their patients, potentially in order to save their lives, the environment inside of the operating room has to meet certain standards. This is why it’s essential that hospital administrators have a plan in place for when the main hospital HVAC system experiences any problems.
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170
While hospital workers and patients obviously need to be comfortable in operating rooms, there are more specific standards set by three organizations: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and The American Society of Health Care Engineering (ASHE). ANSI/ASHRAE/ASH Standard 170-2017 covers the ventilation and air conditions for different hospital spaces. While the functionalities of different rooms require different relative humidities and temperatures, the most common standard is that relative humidity stays below 60% and temperature stays around 70°F. There are certain areas of the United States where even with a functioning HVAC system, these standards are tough to meet. If a hospital has a system that is functioning under 100%, additional equipment might be necessary to meet these important standards.
Temporary Climate Control in Hospitals
If the HVAC system is not fully functioning or conditions are so extreme that heat and humidity cannot be controlled by the HVAC system alone, there are solutions that can keep temperature and humidity at bay. Polygon offers engineered solutions that include air conditioners and dehumidifiers to help hospitals keep conditions right for everyone in the space. In addition to our powerful and energy-efficient equipment, you’ll have the support of our team.
Have an HVAC Emergency Plan in Place
Most of us have heard the phrase, “expect the unexpected.” Hospital administrators should certainly heed this advice. If an HVAC system is not functioning properly or outdoor conditions are so extreme that you can’t control the climate inside the hospital using the main system alone, the administration needs to have a go-to partner for climate support. Let Polygon be that partner. We offer the service, expertise, and technology that hospitals need to continue doing what matters most, caring for patients. The conditions inside an operating room are the last thing a surgeon, or any other hospital staff, needs to consider. When normal systems break down in your hospital, a certain wing, or even specific rooms, have our number saved so that you can have an expert in the building as soon as possible, equipping your facility with the technology necessary to keep temperature and humidity exactly where they should be.
Call us today and get connected with your local representative at 1-800-422-6379.
