EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
FENESTRATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE
BY WOJCIECH BROŻYNA - MD ALUPROF UK
The key consideration for any hospital or healthcare facility is the well-being of patients , this can be evaluated as offering patient safety and providing a healthy environment to aid recovery . Whilst building fabric plays its part , fenestration , in the form of windows doors and curtain walls , offer an immediate link to the outside which can provide both a patient benefit and carry associated risks . The correct choice of modern fenestration systems and associated hardware is crucial to wellbeing and patient care .
Murat Uyanmis , who served as Project Director at TP Bennet for over eight years and was involved in retrofitting the NHS Trust ’ s building at 18 Mole Park in Surrey which features Aluprof system comments : “ This short editorial covers the majority of the design intent when considering the development of healthcare projects . The review is especially important when specifying the performances of various suppliers and manufacturers when clients offer alternatives to original specifications .”
The Department for Health has produced ‘ Health Building Note 00-10 , Part D : Windows and associated hardware give best practice ’ offers guidance on the design and planning of new healthcare buildings and the refurbishment or extension of existing facilities . The main safety risk associated with opening windows is potential falls .
The recommendation for preventing falls from windows in healthcare premises is to assess the risks of patients falling from windows and implement control measures . This includes conducting a risk assessment that takes into account the patient category and physical capability , not only for new builds and refurbishments , but also for all existing stock . If risks from falling are identified , control measures should be put in place , which usually involves the use of windows with restrictors and where necessary , safety glazing . It is also important to specify the correct type of restrictor at the procurement stage and ensure that the restrictors and their fittings are robust enough to prevent vulnerable and determined adults from forcing them open beyond the 100 mm restriction . Additionally , window restrictors should be included in planned preventative maintenance and monitoring schedules with any damaged or defective restrictors being repaired or replaced . Murat Uyanmis also adds , “ In certain occasions , doors that have access to the terraces may require restrictors in healthcare projects .
The risk assessment should also be reviewed in light of any findings related to the restrictor failure .
Whilst newly built healthcare facilities offer a ‘ clean sheet ’ for design , there is much that can be done to refurbish existing healthcare facilities . The first step is to engage with manufacturers of fenestration systems to discuss the possibilities of retrofitting modern fenestration into existing buildings . This early engagement allows for a better understanding of the options available and the feasibility of the retrofit .
Many older healthcare buildings do not comply with current regulations regarding thermal efficiency . By replacing and upgrading windows to thermallyefficient systems , existing buildings can reduce heat loss and lower energy costs . Aluminium window systems with high-performance thermal breaks are a wise investment as they are easy to maintain , have exceptionally low U-values and require minimum maintenance throughout their extensive lifespan . The lower the U value the higher the thermal efficiency of the system .
Natural daylight has a positive impact on wellbeing , so it is important to provide uninterrupted views of the outside for healthcare patients . Aluminium windows allow for larger expanses of glazing in slimmer frames , maximising daylighting . Additionally , the use of aluminium curtain walling and fixed light windows can create more welcoming entrance areas and reduce reliance on artificial light .
Not withstanding Health Building Note 00-10 , replacement windows should feature easy-to-use opening mechanisms or trickle vents to ensure wellventilated spaces . Substantial window restrictors are
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