The 2014 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities (published by The Facility Guidelines Institute) is on the street. Starting in December, the Pennsylvania Department of Health Division of Safety Inspection and Division of Acute and Ambulatory Care will be referencing this edition for all project plan and occupancy approvals.
The 2014 edition of the Guidelines incorporates many updates and revisions from its 2010 predecessor. In addition to expanded and new technical content, the 2014 edition now requires a multidisciplinary Safety Risk Assessment for every project. This assessment is to be developed and documented by the facility and is intended to identify and minimize risks to patients and caregivers in addition to those identified in the Infection Control Risk Assessment.
Some examples of the updated/new technical content include the following:
- Identifies provisions to permit delivery of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit water to hand wash stations.
- Modifies requirements for critical emergency panels to limit them to serve loads only on the floor where the panel is located.
- ASHRAE 170 – 2013 edition (Part 4) updated to incorporate all addenda issued for the 2008 edition.
- Identifies specific requirements for utilizing areaways for ventilation air intakes.
While much of the technical content revisions appear to be minor, there are many nuances that need to be reviewed and incorporated in the project and design and planning process. It will be of continued importance for the design team and owner to read and understand the content included in the 2014 Guidelines to ensure a smooth transition in the project approval process with the PA Department of Health.
If you need assistance in understanding more about the new guidelines or have questions for your next project, please do not hesitate to contact Jon Slagel, PE, LEED AP, HFDP at (717) 845-7654 or jbs@ba-inc.com.