Healthcare Design - May 2022 - 33

I N F O CUS
S T R A T E G I C A PPR O A C H E S to D E S I GN C H A L L E N GE S
A VARIETY OF noise and vibration sources can
be found in a hospital environment: HVAC
equipment, vertical transportation systems,
pneumatic tube systems, and rooftop helipads,
to name a few. If not handled or addressed properly,
these standard healthcare tools and systems
can become detrimental to the patient and
staff experience and even to medical equipment
and testing. For example, an air handling unit
located on a rooftop above an imaging suite can
produce structural vibration that may affect imaging
equipment and result in blurred and possibly
unreadable images. When approaching a
new project, planning and designing for such
issues early can prevent costly change orders or
potential post-construction work.
NOISE CONTROL
The ambient sound level in a hospital setting
fluctuates constantly, influenced by patient
monitoring devices, alarms, and general activity
in the corridors and at nurses' stations. Mechanical
system noise also can affect the ambient
sound level if it's not designed to be quiet and
unobtrusive. Typically, acoustical consultants
assess the specifications of HVAC equipment
serving patient spaces and calculate the noise
level of the equipment as it would be heard by a
patient. If needed, silencers or additional ductwork
can be incorporated into the design of the
mechanical system to reduce noise as it travels
from the unit to the patient, visitor, or staff
member. Ultimately, the goal is for general
noise levels in patient rooms to be limited to
45 A-weighted decibels (dBA), as this level is
considered subjectively comfortable to most.
Another potential source of unwanted noise
PLANNING AND DESIGN
SOUND MEASURES
Design solutions that address unwanted noises and vibrations are
critical to hospital operations and patient care By Kristin Salenger
and vibration is pneumatic tube (P-tube) systems,
which offer a quick and safe method for
transporting biological samples within healthcare
facilities via cylindrical containers (carriers)
that are propelled through a complex
network of tubes by compressed air or vacuum.
P-tubes often are above the ceiling and in the
walls of occupied spaces, hidden with other
infrastructure such as electrical conduit and
HVAC ductwork. As the carriers
pass through the pipe network,
they can produce a brief but noticeable
noise, including a distinct
MAY 2022
33
DAVID SENIOR

Healthcare Design - May 2022

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