A HISTORIC CHANGE IN THE OPERATING ROOM ENVIRONMENT
The National Standard for Relative Humidity in Operating Rooms
Has Been Reduced to 20%
Over the years, relative humidity levels have been a source of continued debate in the health care community. In an effort to debunk an age-old requirement, the ASHRAE Standard 170 Standing Committee applied a literature search and scientific research to this subject and has issued Addendum “d” to the 170 document. The addendum has been approved for release at the end of June 2010. The publication of this addendum stresses the aspects of relative humidity in operating rooms in terms of clinical outcomes, comfort, and engineering concepts.
Attend this ASHE/FGI educational event:
The Role of Humidity in Operating Rooms –
Demystifying the Myth
June 8, 2010
This program has been designed to provide you with accurate information on the real issues surrounding humidity levels in the operating room environment. Input from AORN, APIC, CDC, NIH, and ASHRAE was instrumental in designing the program content. As a result of participation, you will be able to:
- Explain the rationale behind this significant change to ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE 170: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities and the FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities. (ASHRAE 170 has been incorporated into the 2010 edition of the Guidelines. )
- Prepare health care organizations to implement the lower humidity levels in operating rooms.
- Discuss the effect humidity levels have on surgical site infections, patient outcomes, and comfort.
- Provide health care professionals with well-balanced, pertinent information on the new national standards for humidity in short-stay patient care areas, including operating rooms.
- Consider the humidity information in the context of overall OR design standards/parameters and implications for clinicians.
Location
Carolina Health Care System NorthEast
Medical Arts Building
Hamrick Theater
Driving directions: exit 58 of I-85, go to US 29 south to Mall Drive and park in that parking deck by the Medical Arts Building.
Once inside the building signs will guide attendees to the theater.
Registration Closed!