In 2008, ASHRAE introduced Standard 170 – Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, which defined ventilation system design requirements for infection control. Considered a breakthrough in the industry, Standard 170-2008 was the first American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard in the nation to specifically address ventilation in health care facilities.
Fast-forward five years and authorities in more than 40 states now use Standard 170 as a code or reference standard, which is why ASHRAE felt the need to update its “HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics.” This newly published manual is based on the guidelines in Standard 170 and provides design recommendations for health care facilities with an emphasis on proven, cost-effective solutions that result in reduced infections, lower maintenance, and higher reliability.