FEASIBILITY OF SMOKE INSULATION FOR ICU, CCU AND OPERATING SUITE IN HOSPITAL BY POSITIVE PRESSURE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

In the fire safety design for hospitals, operating suite, ICUs and CCUs are normally protected from fire in adjacent areas by fire separation walls, yet achievement of smoke separation is questionable. This paper discusses feasibility of smoke separation in fire of operating suite, ICU and CCU from other hospital parts utilizing the positive pressure air-conditioning system routinely used for cleaning level control in these areas. The study reveals capability of the normal positive pressure air-conditioning to prevent penetration of smoke from adjacent fires.