Australian WEBINAR | Operating Theatre HVAC Design. Infection under consideration

Register by sending an email with your name, company and position to info@techin.com.au

Date: Wednesday 09 Sept 2020

Time: 11.00 am (AEST)

Topics to be analysed:

- Understanding of the Operating Theatre types (Non-unidirectional and unidirectional flow).

- Minimum HVAC design considerations for a proper infection control performance.

- Hybrid Operating Theatre considerations.

- A short analysis of the states' guidelines (VIC, NSW and QLD) and the AS 1668-2.

- What is new in the new VIC guidelines update?

- Operating Theatre commissioning and service considerations.

- The future of the HVAC Operating Theatre design.

Abstract:

Designing and retrofitting an operating theatre in Australia can become challenging and confusing because of the lack of a national standard and guidelines that oversees infection control as the main consideration.

The Australian Standard (AS 1668.2) The use of ventilation and air conditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings) sets minimum characteristics.

Yet comparing this national Standard with some international versions – such as in the UK or Germany – one can see there are deficiencies requiring attention. An example is appropriate protected- zone dimensions and surgical smoke considerations.

Most state health departments have developed design guidelines. Despite this, there is still a lack of common understanding.

The actual design of operating theatres is just one of many issues. Indeed, the main risk is the absence of specifications for third-party testing and certification.

In order to properly check design, equipment, installation and commissioning of current and new operating theatres, third-party testing and certification must be performed periodically to guarantee performance.

VHHSBA HTG

We will be analyzing the latest update of the VIC Guidelines

The Hybrid OR

How many people during surgery?

Type of medical equipment?

UCV or no UCV?

And more…

Abraham Corona (The speaker)

Engineering Manager at TechIN Pty Ltd

Abraham is a mechanical engineer with over 13 years of experience designing and leading air conditioning and refrigeration projects. Since 2012, Abraham has been working with critical HVAC for the healthcare sector, specifically the operating theatre HVAC design from the infection control point of view; he has acquired his knowledge during several training sessions in Europe (Germany and Italy) with key professionals in this sector and with multidisciplinary meetings and conferences here in Australia.

Currently, he is an active member of the AIRAH Victorian Division Committee, one of the founder members and the elected Chair of the AIRAH Special Technical Group “Infection Control & Operating Theatre Practices”. Additionally, Abraham is a current member of the NEXTgen (Young leaders) program of Standards Australia 2018-2019 and “on the day volunteer” for TEDxMelbourne.

Today, Abraham is working on the movement of building bridges between the healthcare sector organizations and the HVAC institutions to empower the commitment to work together to reduce surgical site infections and to promote the awareness of the antibiotic resistance issue.

Register by sending an email with your name, company and position to info@techin.com.au