HVAC Systems and Cleanroom Panels – The Absolute Clean Air Solutions for Hospital Operation Theatres

Operation theatres (OTs) are one of the most critical areas of a hospital. It is a room that addresses ailments and diseases and is thus often regarded as the heart of the hospital.

But constructing an operation theatre is not that simple. Surgeries and medical procedures need an environment which is sterile and contaminant free. Hence, clean air solutions like HVAC systems and cleanroom panels add safety in an OT.

This blog states how these systems help patients, doctors and hospitals.

HVAC Systems: Ensuring Control, Cleanliness and Comfort

An HVAC system is a high-performing equipment in the operation rooms. It works on a control function that is responsible for the below functions:

Temperature Regulation

Relative humidity (RH)

Adjustments in air changes per hour (ACH)

Monitoring of outdoor air (OA) intake

Establishment of pressurization differentials

Management of filtering levels

Air movement patterns between different rooms

Careful monitoring of microbiological loads.

Let us understand how the HVAC system benefits the operation theatres.

Air Filtration – Operation theatres have people who are undergoing recovery. An OT with an HVAC system prevents dust and allergens from entering the room. The equipment with HEPA filters particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. It keeps the indoor air quality (IAQ) high and maintains proper ventilation and airflow. It also restricts the migration of airborne diseases from spreading to other places.

Infection Control – There is a high risk of surgical site infections (SSI) in operations, viz. orthopaedic implant surgeries, organ transplantation, and cardiac and aortic surgery. HEPA filters with Laminar Air flow provide a particle-free area in the OT. As a result, it minimizes the risk of SSI around the patient during the operation.

Temperature and Humidity Control – Microorganisms grow in humid environments. They give rise to post-operative infections in a patient’s wound. Also, low humidity thickens the blood, which is unfavourable during an operation. Thus, achieving an appropriate humidity level of the OT becomes necessary.

A well-designed HVAC system conducts the humidification and dehumidification process. This process helps in removing airborne infections and in achieving appropriate humidity levels. In turn, operations in the theatre give high success rates.

The temperature also holds utmost criticality in the OT. The dual-duct system of HVAC consists of parallel ducts. One of the ducts has a cold air stream, while the other provides a hot air stream. This feature helps in achieving the desired temperature.

The internal HVAC system maintains the temperature at 21 degree C ± 3 degree C at all times. This corresponds to the relative humidity (RH) between 20 to 60%.

Room Pressure Control – In a negative pressure, humid, unclean air enters the theatre through cracks & openings. But, in positive differential pressure, ventilation minimizes airborne contaminations. Proper ventilation through the HVAC system ensures high-quality air to the occupants. It gives them protection from infectious treatments such as wound sepsis.

A Comfort Zone – The HVAC system draws the outdoor air into the building. It heats or cools the air before distributing it into the occupied spaces. Later, the system exhausts the ambient air outside or reuses it. Thus, adjusting and changing outdoor conditions gives thermal comfort to the occupants. Comfort enhances the well-being of the patients and helps them heal early.

Energy Efficiency – Modern HVAC technology promotes sustainable practices in healthcare facilities. Its features include various fan speeds, demand-response ventilation, automated capabilities and smart controls. The usage of HVAC helps reduce the carbon footprint, operational costs and save energy by 25% to 50%.

Wall Panels: Streamlining Sterility

Infection-free & sterile environment – Cleanroom panels prevent dust, particles, and contaminants like bacterial growth and foreign particles from entering. The panels are non–porous and smooth and help maintain a sterile environment. This minimizes the risks in surgical procedures and safeguards patients’ health.

Risk Reduction – FM Approvals is a qualified organization for certifying products in property loss prevention. It certified Fabtech for fire-resistant panels under standards 4880 and 4882.

Our cleanroom panels stand as highly engineered and robust panels. In the event of a fire, the panels emit minimal smoke and reduce exposure to harmful toxins. They protect equipment and critical processes and personnel from health risks. The low toxic substances help maintain a safe environment.

Energy Efficiency – Fabtech’s PPGI cleanroom wall panels also help in energy efficiency. Pre-painted galvanized iron wall panels (PPGI) have insulation properties that reduce heat transfer. These walls cut down on excessive heating or cooling. They establish a thermal barrier, curbing energy usage and ensuring indoor comfort. PPGI partition walls in buildings need less energy for temperature control. This leads to decreased carbon emissions and less dependence on fossil fuels.

PPGI walls reduce the usage of harmful chemicals present in regular wall paints. The walls are pre-painted with low or zero-VOC coatings. This attribute reduces the emission of harmful chemicals in the indoor environment. Thus, reducing respiratory risks and improving air quality and the well-being of occupants.

Easy Integration – Cleanroom panels are custom designed. They are then integrated with other elements of the OT. This integration reduces clutter and enhances the accessibility of equipment. It also streamlines the surgical process, resulting in improved efficiency and patient care.

Easy Maintenance – The panels’ smooth surface eases the cleaning and disinfection process. This helps OT’s to be in pristine condition, which plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infections. Such small yet significant functions contribute to achieving optimal surgical outcomes.

Together, cleanroom panels and HVAC systems bring about the utmost effectiveness in the OT. The equipment fulfils the essential parameters of an OT as per the prescribed standard. The sound infrastructure facilitates constant monitoring and controlling of air circulation. Controlled temperature and humidity result in patient care and a stronger healthcare system.

A safe, sterile and efficient surgical environment eases the work of medical professionals. As a result, medical procedures and treatments in the OT are safe and effective. Fabtech acknowledges operation theatres as the backbone of hospitals. As a pharma process equipment manufacturer, we aim to use our engineering skills to enhance the OTs. By doing so, we contribute to the healthcare facilities’ advancement and patients’ well-being.

Today, operation theatres are seeing more patients due to the upsurge in diseases. This appears to be stemming from climate change. Fabtech has stepped in to make a change. A change to build more pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and facilities.

Our turnkey pharmaceutical projects offer solutions from start to finish. This includes everything in between, from the pharma production process to delivery and execution.  Our solutions pave the way for easy access to medication and treatments in the world.

We can step up together.

Help us understand your project needs.