ambient temperature standards for central service facilities

[Julie M. Baker CRCST]

I am unable to locate the standards for temperatures to be mainained in central supply facilities

[dongordon]

Hi Julie,

I believe the AAMI standards state that the Central Service work areas should have temperatures controlled between 64-72 degrees F and relative humidity controlled between 35% - 70%.

Don

[Chuck Hughes]

The ANSI/AAMI ST35:2003 Decontamination document states in section 3.4.5 Temperature and humidity
The temperature in the decontamination area should be controlled to between 16 °C and 18 °C (60 °F and 65 °F). Relative humidity should be controlled to a range of 30 % to 60 %. Free-standing fans are not permitted. Doors should not be propped open and windows should not be opened. Temperature and humidity ranges should be documented daily.

The ANSI/AAMI ST46:2002 Steam sterilization in HC facilities document states in section 3.3.5.4 Temperature
General work areas should have a temperature controlled between 68°F and 73°F (20°C and 23°C). The decontamination area should have a temperature controlled between 60°F and 65°F (16°C and 18°C). The temperature in sterilization equipment access rooms should be controlled between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C) or as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. The temperature in sterile storage and personnel support areas (e.g., toilets, showers, locker rooms) may be as high as 75°F (24°C).

3.3.5.5 Relative humidity
Relative humidity should be controlled between 30 % and 60 % in all work areas except the sterile storage area, where the relative humidity should not exceed 70%.

Both of these documents have been adopted by ANSI as our national standards. If I can be of further assistance, feel free to contact me offline!

Chuck Hughes
General Manager/Educator
SPSmedical Supply Corp.
Sterilization Products & Services
1-800-722-1529

[Guest]

I have been told this area can not have air conditioning because it is
a "negative air" room. The temp will range from 85-90 degree's some days and humidity 43-48%. The heat with the PPE on is unbearable. I work for a VA Hospital and wonder if the regulation are different.

[Shirleycrcst]

can anyone tell me what the standards are for temperature and humidity in the sterile area if you also keep wrapped sterile instruments in cabients in this area. also the OR suites..we have found some that say humidity should be between 40-60% in suites ...and can be up to 70% in storage areas..

[Guest]

That is absolutely untrue! Not to mention downright careless to have you working in such conditions - Neg air pressure would mean they say they are only pulling air out.. WELL, you have to put it IN as well otherwise you'd have no oxygen either! Negative or Positive, IT MUST be airconditioned in order to keep bacteria growth down AND PROTECT your health. Find someone who will listen, keep looking until you find someone. That is a dangerous situation.
Good luck


I have been told this area can not have air conditioning because it is
a "negative air" room. The temp will range from 85-90 degree's some days and humidity 43-48%. The heat with the PPE on is unbearable. I work for a VA Hospital and wonder if the regulation are different.

[sonny1388]

The problem with air conditioning a negative pressure room would be that you would have to make sure that the negative pressure sucking the air out of the room is greater than the positive air pressure created by the air conditioning, while still leaving enough negative to satisfy standards and regulations. This is to ensure that there is no air transfer from decontam to sterile side of C.S. Even if you did satisfy these requirements, the cooled air from your air conditioner would be sucked out with the rest of the ambient air, meaning you would have to crank it up to notice any difference. A more feasable solution might be to keep the sterile side a bit cooler, where the pressure is already negative and moving through to decontam.