HEALTH AND SAFETY
the problem of condensation. Moreover, ventilation systems play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality and controlling moisture levels. In some healthcare facilities in Malaysia, the ventilation systems might have been outdated or inadequately designed to cope with the humid climate. Additionally, poorly maintained ventilation systems may accumulate dust and debris, which can lead to the growth of mould and other allergens, exacerbating indoor air quality issues. Another instance, as portrayed in Figure 2 (in which dark patches of mould growth are visible on the surfaces, indicating areas where moisture has accumulated over time due to elevated humidity levels originating from the air conditioning system as well as unintentional building envelope openings), further highlights the adverse effects of moisture-related challenges related to ventilation systems and building envelope. The following provides some overview
of condensation-related challenges in healthcare facilities derived from a range of case studies, each yielding valuable lessons. Ultimately, understanding these cases and their lessons emphasises the need for comprehensive strategies to combat condensation risks. l AHUs and chiller sync issue: AHUs in some clinics operate out of sync with the chiller system, causing them to run without chill water. This leads to outdoor humid air being drawn in without dehumidification, resulting in condensation as warm air meets cold surfaces.
l Fan Coil Unit (FCU) duct defect: a day- care centre experienced unexpected condensation due to a defect in shared fresh air ducts among fan coil units. Elevated room humidity occurred after working hours, causing condensation due to differential vapour pressure conditions.
l Intentional air conditioning (AC) operation: leaving ACs intentionally running after office hours, led to surface wall condensation in rooms not
Figure 2. Dark patches of mould growth are visible on the surfaces.
ward introduced condensation issues due to MVAC modifications, temperature differentials, and inadequate insulation.
l Wet and saturated PU foam: insufficient thickness of PU foam insulation led to wet and saturated conditions, reducing thermal performance, and potentially causing moisture-related issues (Fig 3).
Figure 3. Wet and saturated PU foam. designed for 24-hour air conditioning.
l Cooling equipment sizing issues: insufficient cooling capacity caused ACs to struggle in maintaining desired temperature, leading to high indoor humidity. Oversized ACs resulted in frequent compressor cutting out, pulling in humid air and causing surface condensation.
l Door ajar issue: leaving air-conditioned patient room doors ajar introduced humid, warm air from adjacent areas, leading to condensation on cooler surfaces.
l Change in space use impact: transitioning from open ward to ICU
l Condensation on soffit of reinforced concrete (RC) slab: a classic case at Sultan Ismail Hospital observed condensation on the soffit of an RC slab. This occurrence is attributed to the cold and uninsulated surface exposed to high humidity levels prevalent in the area (Fig 4).
An in-depth understanding of the various factors contributing to condensation is crucial for effective moisture management within healthcare facilities. To shed light on these causes and their implications, we present the following tables that categorise and detail the sources of condensation-related challenges in healthcare environments. Table 1 outlines the causes of condensation associated with building envelope conditions, Table 2 highlights the causes stemming from defects in mechanical cooling and ventilation systems, and Table 3 covers
Figure 4. Condensation on the soffit of a RC slab. 28 IFHE DIGEST 2024
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