Hospital Ventilation Management Plans: Atlantic Environmental

Never has ventilation in commercial buildings become a more important topic than in the last two years. It even resulted in the World Health Organization (WHO) creating a roadmap to help improve indoor ventilation. This should be a key focus in all buildings, but it’s essential in hospitals. Hospital ventilation management plans are crucial to ensuring HVAC system compliance.

This not only protects patients’ health but also safeguards hospital employees.

It starts with developing a comprehensive plan. This facilitates an optimally functioning hospital ventilation system. Read on to learn the role of these plans in hospital management, including how to develop one.

 

What is a Ventilation Plan?

Ventilation plans ensure a building complies with HVAC system standards. Several regulatory bodies usually set out these standards. It involves having the relevant system accreditation and licensing within the building.

The plan identifies all areas within the building requiring ventilation management. It also outlines a strategy for regular maintenance and testing of the system. Managing hospital ventilation may include ensuring the system has the proper requirements pertaining to:

• Filters
• Pressure
• Air changes
• Temperature
• Humidity

The use of floor plans enhances this effort as it can identify areas of high risk. It can also outline the direction of airflow throughout the building.

 

Steps to Develop a Ventilation Management Plan

Any hospital environment should be conducive to healing. This includes keeping patients safe while they heal and recover.

This needs to be the focus when creating a hospital ventilation management plan. Here are a few key steps to consider during development.

 

Form a Committee

This should be a multidisciplinary committee. There should be a cross-section of leaders from the organization. This includes representation from all key areas.

Members from facilities can educate others about definitions associated with ventilation. This will assist when it’s time for the committee to develop the plan and present it to key stakeholders.

 

Know the Codes

Ventilation requirements include specific codes. These can sometimes conflict with each other. It will be the committee’s task to decide on one code to follow and enforce in all hospital areas.

 

List All Areas Needing Ventilation

 

You’ll need a list of all areas in the hospital with ventilation requirements. The list will need to be continuously updated as ventilation can change and avoid overlooking any areas. A building walk-through to confirm ventilation use and conditions would also be helpful.

 

Prioritize Each Space

The committee can use the compiled list to prioritize each area according to risk level, which helps ensure safety in the most critical patient areas. Testing of the system can take place according to risk rankings.

 

Determine Response Times

The committee can use the compiled list to prioritize each area according to risk level, which helps ensure safety in the most critical patient areas. Testing of the system can take place according to risk rankings.

 

Create the Plan and Get Approval

The draft plan should list the details of all committee members. It should also include:

• Code references
• Ventilation definitions and terms
• Frequency of testing
• Incident response plan

The plan should initiate a review of other ventilation-related policies. Updates to these can include references to the new program.

The committee can then approve the plan. Moving forward, it should be continually reviewed and updated.

 

Implementing Effective Hospital Ventilation Management Plans

One of the main goals of any hospital should be to provide the best patient care. This involves providing a safe space where patients can recover and heal. Part of this includes managing hospital ventilation.

Doing this efficiently requires developing and implementing effective hospital ventilation management plans. You’ll need to form a committee to get started. If you’re unsure what the process entails, help is available.

Atlantic Environmental specializes in indoor air quality. We can ensure your ventilation system meets industry standards. We can also help you draft and finalize your plan. Contact us to learn more about our services for New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia.