Assessment of indoor air quality parameters at Ambulatory Care Centre XYZ, Malaysia

Abstract

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems are very important and necessary to consider in hospital and health care facilities such as in AMBULATORY CARE CENTRE XYZ (ACCXYZ), Malaysia. Majority complaints made by the hospital staff at level 1, state that they felt uncomfortable and suffering coldness due to very low temperature of centralizing air-conditioning especially during non-peak hours. Therefore, five parameters pointed to be measured based on the complaints from staff due to IAQ problems especially from Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. By using 4 in 1 Meter Kit, three environmental parameters recorded such as air temperature (t), relative humidity (RH) and air velocity (AV) and the average result are 22.5°C, 57.7% and 0.02 m/s, respectively. Meanwhile, two chemical parameters recorded are carbon dioxide (CO2) with 875ppm and formaldehyde (CH2O) is 0.11ppm were measured using IAQ Calc model 7545 and Formaldehyde Meter Z-300 devices value within the standard. Thus, the result shows that the HVAC system affects the IAQ parameters in ACCXYZ building through a major impact on the temperature due to patient and staff environment and also to the operation of the sensitive machine in the building.

The relationship between occupant behaviour and indoor air quality in Malaysian hospital outpatient departments: A multistage cross-sectional study

“…In this study, the mean IAQ parameter values within the selected hospital OPDs were observed to be in accordance with the ICOP 2010 and ASHRAE standards, except for indoor air temperature and AV. This is similar to the findings of several studies conducted in Malaysian healthcare facilities [ 73 , 74 ], where similar parameters were substandard according to the standard limits. As observed in this study, occupants in naturally ventilated OPDs tended to open windows and doors, whereas those in mechanically ventilated OPDs tended not to.…”

Comprehensive Review on the Relationship between Duct Cleanliness and Airborne Contaminants

“…Installing an HVAC system in a building is a critical factor in ensuring both comfort and excellent IAQ. It helps create a comfortable working environment and significantly impacts their work performance and health, facilitating productive activities [4]. Air-Conditioning (AC) systems usually ensure thermal comfort and maintain high IAQ by regulating temperature, humidity levels, and air cleanliness during distribution.…”

Effect of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System on Indoor Air Quality in a Medical Facility

“…This can be accomplished through natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation. Most indoor air quality problems were caused by insufficient ventilation, which refers as follows: Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate three different parameters, including temperature, ventilation, and relative humidity (Aini et al, 2019). The use of HVAC system in any medical facility is crucial for several reasons.…”