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Regular air sampling is conducted through a method known as DOP – or dispersed oil particulate . Also known as filter integrity testing , this process is conducted with the intention of verifying the integrity of any HEPA ( High Efficiency Particulate Air ) or ULPA ( Ultra Low Penetration Air ) filters in the system . It involves the introduction of particulates into the system and the particulate count is measured downstream .
Other tests in air quality that are performed regularly are microbial contamination tests where a petri dish with a particular culture is placed on the floor of the space away from any obstacles which is exposed to the air for a given time in order to collect biological particles . This then allows laboratories to measure the ‘ harmful ’ portion of the microbes in the air .
According to the Trox Technik South Africa team , “ Having the support from our international research and development laboratory that have some of the world ’ s best scientists , allows us to better the industry as a whole , and this is our intention . Once suppliers get given the required design from the mechanical consultant on a project , what is important is not only complying with the specifications but insisting on a quality product . More so because of the environment that AHUs serve in the medical facility environment . The right materials , like stainless steel inside these units , avoid bacteria being able to stick , further , and design benefits such as avoiding awkward angles and cavities where any pathogens or organisms can grow is highly important .”
“ Pressures in these spaces simply refer to the principle of either keeping contamination controlled within a space or keeping contamination out of a space .”
Both AHU and packaged solutions are highly-adaptable and can be custom-manufactured to suit the client ’ s needs or the space in a plant room or area which is often a challenge for designers , installers and suppliers .
“ Serviceability is actually critical when designing and building any unit that will require maintenance . If you have an operating theatre offline , you need to get it back up and operational very quickly again . Technicians ’ understanding of the system is then as important as being able to easily perform maintenance ,” adds Schaefer .
Many air handling units will also include gauges to monitor the efficiency of air supply . If the unit is a three stage filtration
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Medical facilities cover a wide scope of room requirements from reception areas to normal wards and theatres . Airflow is especially important .
system , in other words , a primary filter , a secondary filter ( which is either a bag or cassette filter ), and then a HEPA filter , suppliers will generally provide recommendations to indicate at what pressures filters need to start being replaced to maintain required air volumes . It is possible that filters can become blocked over time and this then may result in air quality compromise as air bypass occurs ( basically the air is forced through areas between or around filters and is not filtered ). UV-C technology testing and inclusion in packaged units , ducting and AHUs has already shown indications of positive results , however there are concerns of the unknown outcomes of prolonged exposure to UV-C . Although it has proven successful at neutralising a virus by destroying reproduction possibilities , it is also potentially harmful to other living organisms , animals , and people . Research continues to establish any long-term effects of use . ( Note : no factual evidence is yet available as to the effects on prolonged exposure to UV-C or if it will result in any harm at all .)
MAINTENANCE Maintenance is an area that has been constantly brought up as a major challenge in medical facilities from the lack of skills available , to people working on the HVAC systems that have no clue about HVAC or the components used , to as far as the pure neglect of facility managers . The mentality of “ as long as it ’ s working it ’ s okay ”, does not fit in these scenarios .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I May 2021 23