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Hospitals & healthcare
Sensors revolutionise infection control
Building managers, specifiers, architects, engineers, and designers are beginning to understand the vital role sensors can play in managing the spread of infection in the built environment
T
o reduce the occurrence of healthcare- associated infections (HCAIs), the Department of Health and Social Care states that it is
imperative that infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are ‘designed-in’ by those involved in the delivery of new and refurbished healthcare
Case Study
Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, Malta is an acute general teaching hospital that provides an extensive range of specialist services.
Engineering Science and Industry (ESI Malta), one of the country’s leading system integrators, was tasked with the design and build of the BMS and automation controls for the new high-level isolation unit (HLIU) in the hospital. A HLIU is a facility that is designed to minimise the transmission of highly contagious and hazardous diseases whilst a patient is being treated. ESI Malta specified more than 35 of Sontay’s
sensors from Sontay’s 4-20mA two wire range. These were selected to provide best noise immunity and uniformity.
The solutions
Temperature sensors (TT-CVO) ranging from duct mount, immersion and flying lead types were used. These monitor air temperature, as well as hot and chilled water lines. Combined temperature and humidity (RH-D) duct
facilities. Designed-in IPC means that anyone involved in delivery of a facility from the architect to the facilities manager, needs to work collaboratively with IPC teams, healthcare staff and users to deliver facilities in which IPC needs have been anticipated, planned for, and met.
Stacey Lucas, commercial and marketing director at Sontay, a manufacturer of smart sensing devices, said: “I believe there will be new legislation coming out around mitigating infection spread in the built environment, primarily for the healthcare and public sectors. By specifying the use of sensors, IPC teams can be confident that the risk of infections spreading has been mitigated in their buildings. However, sensors can play a role not just in new and refurbished healthcare settings, they can be easily retrofitted bringing older healthcare settings quickly up to standard.” Thankfully, there is a myriad of sensors available to ensure buildings are comfortable and safe for occupants. As well as CO2 sensors, there are PM 2.5 sensors, which measure the amount of particulate matter in the air. Studies have shown that bacteria and viruses can piggyback particulate matter. Another type of sensor that is in demand is the relative humidity (RH) sensor. Bacteria can develop in environments where there is a lot of moisture. Humid conditions are therefore the perfect setting for bacteria to multiply. Studies show that when cold, dry air is warmed once indoors, relative humidity drops by 20%. Such a decrease makes it easier for airborne particles, including viruses, to travel. Decreasing temperature and moisture (relative humidity), creates a less hospitable environment for microorganisms to grow. “Sensors are truly revolutionising modern building management systems (BMS). They can measure, report and control a building’s environment round the clock, ensuring it is safe and comfortable for its occupants. As a result of this smart buildings revolution, we are seeing demand for sensors grow in other industry sectors too, including education, retail, and hospitality,” Ms Lucas concludes.
mount sensors were also specified. These sensors maintain and optimise indoor comfort for the benefit of medical staff and patients in the isolation rooms. Air comfort parameters adapt automatically between day and night, and between summer and winter conditions. For the air pressure measurements, the (PA-267)
air differential pressure sensor was mainly used. The application consisted of two reading types:
• Across an Ec Fan to determine pressure across the fan. The reading was then used to derive the fan’s flow rate. Pressure range of 1 to 2000Pa was selected for excellent results.
• Accurate measurement of the room’s negative pressure, which was crucial to determining the biosafety. In this case, calibrated -200 to +200Pa sensors were used. In both cases, the air differential pressure sensors
were used to detect any condition which might compromise the biosafety of the rooms. Should any risk arise in the future, the system will react if the readings go beyond acceptable levels, providing a unit that guarantees biosafety. The specification of Sontay’s sensors on this
project was a complete success helping to ensure the wellbeing of the staff and patients.
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May 2022
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