As we see a surge of sick individuals due to the Delta variant, negative pressure proves once again why it is one of the most critical components in any healthcare facility. Negative pressure in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or converted hospital space, is necessary to prevent infection from spreading from one area to another, or from one person to another.
Negative pressure rooms play an important role in the fight against infection(s). The science behind these rooms is that lower air pressure allows outside air into a controlled space. It holds the infected air particles and doesn’t allow them to escape from the room. Most hospitals utilize these solutions to keep negative pressure rooms up to standards:
- Supply and exhaust rates
- Air pressure control and monitoring systems
- HEPA filters to contain and control airborne contaminants
- Sealed floors, walls, windows, and ceilings
- Entryways with self-closing technology that have adequate seals
- The correct ductwork, fans, and dampers to move air out of the building
Hospitals (and other healthcare facilities) use these solutions, along with others, to keep infectious germs from rampaging throughout their facilities. Most hospitals designate the following as negative pressure areas:
- Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIRs)
- Autopsy
- Bathrooms
- Darkrooms
- Decontamination rooms
- Triage areas (to include waiting rooms as well)
While not a fully comprehensive list of all the negative pressure areas and rooms one might find in a healthcare facility, loss of negative pressure in any of these areas could be catastrophic. A minor nuisance would be odors trickling through the facility. The spread of airborne contaminants, however, would be unstoppable. Without HVAC systems in place that are up to date with OSHA and ASHRAE guidelines, patients, visitors, and staff would be exposed to any number of pathogens.
Monitoring and controlling negative pressure will always play a large role in healthcare facilities. Kele carries a variety of room pressure monitors and pressure accessories from trusted suppliers. The Kele team can help you find anything you need, and our tech service is ready to help troubleshoot any issues you may encounter in the field. For all your room pressure needs—Kele’s got you covered. Click here to shop now!
