In most buildings, a poorly performing HVAC system is uncomfortable. In a hospital, it can affect infection control, patient safety and the ability to carry out procedures. That is why healthcare facilities need a more rigorous approach to commissioning than almost any other building type.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in new hospitals, specialist centres and clinics. Each one brings systems that must work correctly from the first day patients arrive.
Why healthcare commissioning is different
Healthcare buildings combine several demanding requirements in one place:
- Pressure relationships between rooms must be maintained to control the spread of airborne contaminants.
- Air change rates and filtration in operating theatres, isolation rooms and other critical areas must meet the design and the relevant guidance.
- Temperature and humidity must stay within tight ranges in clinical and storage areas.
- Power continuity for critical equipment depends on generators, transfer switches and UPS systems responding correctly.
- Life safety systems must work alongside HVAC and electrical systems without conflict.
Many healthcare HVAC designs reference ASHRAE Standard 170, which sets out ventilation requirements for healthcare facilities, alongside the project specification and the requirements of the relevant health authority.
Critical areas that need extra attention
Operating theatres
Operating rooms rely on high air change rates, carefully designed airflow patterns and positive pressure relative to surrounding spaces. Commissioning verifies airflow volumes, pressure differentials, temperature and humidity control and the performance of terminal HEPA filters where specified.
Isolation rooms
Airborne infection isolation rooms are typically kept at negative pressure so air flows into the room rather than out of it. Protective environment rooms work the other way. In both cases, the pressure relationship must be measured, documented and checked under different operating scenarios, including door opening.
Pharmacies, laboratories and cleanrooms
Compounding areas and laboratories may require cleanroom classification and testing. Our cleanroom testing and validation service covers particle counts, airflow and pressure verification for these spaces.
Backup power
Generator start-up, transfer switch operation and UPS performance should be tested under realistic load conditions, together with the systems they support. Electrical commissioning confirms the whole chain responds as designed.
The role of TAB in hospitals
Pressure relationships and air change rates depend directly on accurate air balancing. If supply and exhaust flows are not set correctly, room pressures will drift, and no amount of controls tuning will fix it. Testing, adjusting and balancing is therefore a core part of any healthcare commissioning scope, not an afterthought.
Indoor air quality
Filtration performance, outdoor air delivery and contaminant control all affect the air patients and staff breathe. Indoor air quality testing provides measured evidence that the building is performing as intended before it opens.
Planning commissioning for a healthcare project
- Involve the commissioning team at design stage, so critical rooms and their requirements are clearly defined.
- Agree acceptance criteria for each critical space early, including pressure, air changes, temperature and humidity.
- Allow enough time in the programme for TAB and functional testing before equipment and furniture move in.
- Test systems together, not only in isolation, including power failure scenarios.
- Train the facility team on monitoring and maintaining critical spaces after handover.
How TABCOMM can help
TABCOMM supports healthcare projects in Saudi Arabia with independent commissioning, TAB, cleanroom testing and IAQ testing. If you are planning or delivering a healthcare facility, contact our team to discuss your commissioning requirements.
