Hygiene focus at DAGA
Acoustics in hygienically demanding areas: Porous absorbers and hygiene regulations.
This was what Ingrid Fuchs, Concept Developer in Healthcare at Ecophon gave a presentation on at DAGA 2014 in Oldenburg, Germany.
Healthcare facilities are subject to hygiene requirements and the cleanability of acoustic material is a matter to consider. Acoustically inadequate workplaces negatively affect the working staff and patients. Many believe that you have to choose to solve one or the other but it is often not so. Both are important and affect both patients and staff.
The sound-absorbing tiles of today are made to withstand several cleaning methods and common strong chemicals. A specific hygienic surface that withstands disinfection is easily available and steam cleaning can often be made. As well as Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor, low-pressure cleaning, and extreme high-pressure cleaning (seldom applicable).
Ingrid Fuchs reveals basic data and results of relevant studies facilitating knowledge interaction and exchange between the disciplines of architecture, hygiene, and acoustics. Acoustic absorbers are tested for both air permeability and particle release and are classified according to the well-known and frequently used 14644-1 standard.
Win-win
Most of the time you can solve both the sound environment and keep up with hygiene rules. Win-win and no one loses. Considering both the short- and long-term effect of both poor acoustics and contamination there should be no reason to not solve both issues.
DAGA 2014
Raumakustik in hygienisch anspruchsvollen Bereichen: Der poröse Absorber auf dem Prüfstand raumspezifischer Hygienebestimmungen.
Ingrid Fuchs, Ecophon Deutschland: [email protected]
