scope:

ABSTRACT

The Class 1 imaging room, previously called X-ray (diagnostic and treatment), is a prevalent clinical treatment space in the health care built environment. This paper reviews the space, from the perspective of heating, cooling, and ventilation.

This paper reviews the variables and factors involved in ventilation schemes for Class 1 imaging. Current minimum standard requirements are discussed, from the historical and contemporary perspective. There is a summary of recent standard changes. The difference between inpatient and outpatient requirements is detailed. A standard environmental aerosol risk (SEAR) analysis is included to understand the consideration of infectious aerosols. Available published cooling load guidance is reviewed. Trended temperature, system temperature and air-flow data from a recently-built imaging space is presented, to help understand actual operating conditions.

Based on evidence review, historical review, international comparisons, an understanding of infectious aerosols, and an understanding of loads, the paper concludes that ASHRAE should reconsider standard rates for Class 1 imaging. The current standards seem not to capture the variety of spaces.