Redesign of Department

[Jennifer]

We are currently looking into the possibilty of expanding our sterile storage. In doing so we will need to relocate our break room and a couple offices. The only space we have is the decontam side. We currently have a very large area and it is not being utilized properly and ends up being a catch all for things not being used. We are thinking about redesigning it as to add an office or two and break room. What environmental issues must we look at before we procede? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

[sheper1]

How would the offices and break rooms be accessed? I think this would be the first thing to consider. You would not want them enter and exit them trough the decontam area as this area you want the traffic restricted.

[Jennifer]

I agree,, however what about the use of an anteroom?

[webmaster]

As long as you can provide for good traffic flow and a design that places physical barriers (walls) between the new space and the decontamination area to ensure good technique and a separation of clean and soiled restricted areas you will be fine. It is also important to address HVAC concerns and the flow of air since you will be renovating the decontamination area and breaking up that space to create new rooms the air handling system will need to be modified to ensure the proper circulation and flow from clean to soiled areas. The decontamination area should maintain negative pressure and the new area positive pressure. (Posted on Behalf of Ray Taurasi)

[autoclave1]

HVAC is not the only issue to consider. NFPA 99, 101, and JCR EOC standards state that this "room" meet the requirements of fire safety and egress and even possibly ADA access. Does this remodel stay within the same smoke compartment? Is it fire sprinklered? does it have fire detection equipment (smoke, fire detectors)? Does it encroach upon a fire wall either 1 or 2 hour rated? Now let's discuss standard AIA building design. Both AHA and JCR state that hospital design and construction shall conform to uniform design practices set forth by the AIA (American Instutite of Architecture). I strongly suggest that you contact your plant ops director for further information and input on design specifications. An experienced plant ops person can also provide you with construction cost estimates for budget approval. With this information in hand, it should help you "sell" the project to administration for approval.
Mike