Hong Kong Med J 2008;14(Suppl 1):S33-6
Factors affecting ventilation effectiveness in SARS wards
YG Li, M Leung, WH Seto, PL Yuen, J Leung, JK Kwan, SCT Yu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
1. The major factors affecting the ventilation performance in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) wards were air change rate, airflow direction, and airflow pattern.
2. Despite the use of state-of-the-art technologies, 26% of the SARS wards in nine hospitals failed to meet the ventilation requirement of 12 air changes per hour and 60% had the wrong airflow direction for the toilets/bathrooms. All SARS wards satisfied the requirement of no air leakage to the corridor.
3. Regular checks of airflow direction and air change rates are highly recommended.
4. Specific education or training on ward ventilation systems is recommended for hospital maintenance technicians and health care workers.
2. Despite the use of state-of-the-art technologies, 26% of the SARS wards in nine hospitals failed to meet the ventilation requirement of 12 air changes per hour and 60% had the wrong airflow direction for the toilets/bathrooms. All SARS wards satisfied the requirement of no air leakage to the corridor.
3. Regular checks of airflow direction and air change rates are highly recommended.
4. Specific education or training on ward ventilation systems is recommended for hospital maintenance technicians and health care workers.