Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 92-298-2325, Puerto Rico Department of Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico

摘要

In response to a request for technical assistance from the Puerto Rico Department of Health Secretary, NIOSH conducted evaluations of acid fact bacterium isolation rooms for tuberculosis patients at six regional hospitals and a private clinic. A visual inspection of the systems as well as a review of the original specifications of the air handling units was completed for each facility. Ventilation systems in all hospitals evaluated were either not functioning or varied from the design airflow. At four of the facilities there was a general flow of air out of the designated isolation rooms into the main corridors. On several occasions isolation room windows and doors were left open. The authors conclude that deficiencies in the ventilation systems of the facilities could potentially contribute to the transmission of tuberculosis from infectious patients to other patients, staff and visitors. The authors recommend that modifications to the ventilation systems be made to meet isolation criteria, and that infection control programs be improved.