I have an old existing hospital in Wisconsin. IBC 2009 / NFPA 101 2000 edition / FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities 2010 edition.
I have a 1-story building with plenum return.
FGI Guidelines states: 2.1-8.2.4 HVAC Air Distribution / 2.1-8.2.4.1 Return air systems. For patient care areas, return air shall be via ducted systems.
FGI definition of “patient care area”: An area used primarily for the provision of clinical care to patients. Such care includes monitoring, evaluation and treatment services.
Is a Meds Room considered a “patient care area”???
If I remodel an existing Meds Room and make it bigger he AHJ is asking for a ducted return. Yikes. I will be running a duct half way across the building. I might just run a roof ventilator straight up through the roof and call it a day. Question: Any one see an issue with this option???
Second question: Client wants to provide a Automated Drug Dispensing Unit. FGI Guidelines says I can place it in an Alcove, a Clean Work Room or a Meds Room. Our current Meds Room is not big enough. Could I build a new Alcove and NOT have to provide any ducted return? Just looking for thoughts prior to discussig with AHJ.
Thanks.
I have a 1-story building with plenum return.
FGI Guidelines states: 2.1-8.2.4 HVAC Air Distribution / 2.1-8.2.4.1 Return air systems. For patient care areas, return air shall be via ducted systems.
FGI definition of “patient care area”: An area used primarily for the provision of clinical care to patients. Such care includes monitoring, evaluation and treatment services.
Is a Meds Room considered a “patient care area”???
If I remodel an existing Meds Room and make it bigger he AHJ is asking for a ducted return. Yikes. I will be running a duct half way across the building. I might just run a roof ventilator straight up through the roof and call it a day. Question: Any one see an issue with this option???
Second question: Client wants to provide a Automated Drug Dispensing Unit. FGI Guidelines says I can place it in an Alcove, a Clean Work Room or a Meds Room. Our current Meds Room is not big enough. Could I build a new Alcove and NOT have to provide any ducted return? Just looking for thoughts prior to discussig with AHJ.
Thanks.