Special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in health care facilities

1.1 This Standard provides requirements for HVAC systems in HCFs. In general, these requirements are more stringent than those applied to the planning, design, construction, commissioning, maintenance, and operation of HVAC systems in non-health-care facilities. Note: See Annexes A and B for general information on HVAC systems and guidelines for users, respectively.

1.2 This Standard (a) specifies minimum values for certain parameters; (b) establishes the suitability of different design options; (c) establishes recommendations for zoning, controls, and monitoring; and (d) sets targets for energy conservation.

1.3 This Standard is not intended to preclude the use of design concepts and the adoption of installation, operations, and maintenance procedures more stringent than those specified in this Standard.

1.4 This Standard applies to new buildings, additions to existing buildings, and alterations to existing buildings. Alterations include changes in function or size of spaces and the rearrangement, replacement, or addition of HVAC equipment, but do not include routine maintenance and service.

1.5 This Standard does not address requirements for other elements of a building such as the (a) envelope; (b) structure; (c) electrical power and lighting systems; (d) plumbing system; and (e) fire protection system. Note: These elements can directly affect the design, performance, and/or operation of HVAC systems.

1.6 In CSA Standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and "can" is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.