Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 95-0031-2601, University of Medicine andDentistry of New Jersey, University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey

摘要

In response to a request from management at the University Hospital, Universityof medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (SIC-4119), Newark, New Jersey, an evaluation was made of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration system in an ambulance and of two portable HEPA filtration units used in the hospital. Using the supplemental HEPA filtration system cleared particles faster than the ambulance without the supplemental system. Effective air change rates ranged from about 43 to 46 air changes per hour in the HEPA equipped ambulance, and from 26 to 32 in the non HEPA equipped ambulance. Particle clearance was also improved by the use of the rear vent fan in conjunction with the provision of outside air through the vehicles and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Use of the vent fan with the provision of outside air through the vehicles main HVAC improved aerosol clearance in any ambulance and reduces the potential risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission. The authors recommend that respiratory protection be used by workers during transport of known or suspected infectious TB patients and that the performance of regular preventive maintenance and leak testing be performed on the HEPA unit.