Health and Safety vs. Energy Use in Hospitals and Research Facilities

Thomas Smith, Exposure Control Technologies, Inc.

Ventilation systems in hospitals and laboratories share the common purposes of providing comfortable environments for occupants, minimizing exposure, and controlling the spread of potentially hazardous contaminants. Patients, staff, and visitors in hospitals depend on proper operation of the ventilation systems to protect them from exposure to materials that could cause illness or further illness. Personnel working in laboratories depend on proper operation of the ventilation systems to protect them from exposure to contaminants that could undermine their safety and health.

Meeting those objectives requires proper design and dependable operation of the systems within tightly controlled conditions. However, operation of the ventilation systems consume more than 50 percent of the energy used in hospitals and laboratories due to the need to condition and move large volumes of air. In recent years, innovative technology and programs have improved protection of personnel and minimized energy use in laboratories. These programs, applied to hospitals, could improve operation of the ventilation systems, promote safer environments, and minimize energy consumption. This presentation describes the technologies developed for laboratories that could help hospitals provide healthier environments and minimize energy use.

Biography:

Thomas C. Smith is the President of Exposure Control Technologies, Inc. Mr. Smith is a leader in laboratory safety and energy management. He specializes in helping laboratories provide safe, dependable, and energy efficient operation of laboratory hoods and ventilation systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of North Carolina.

Mr. Smith is active in developing national and international standards for laboratory ventilation and serves as Chairman of ASHRAE TC9.10 Laboratory Systems and Vice Chairman of ANSI/ASHRAE 110 Fume Hood Testing. He is also a member of ANSI/AIHA Z9 Standards for Ventilation and Health.

Since 1985, Mr. Smith has participated in hundreds of laboratory ventilation projects and evaluated thousands of laboratory hood systems. His work has improved the safety of laboratory environments and saved millions of dollars in energy costs. He currently provides technical consultation to numerous Fortune 100 companies, top research universities, and government agencies on the forefront of environmental safety and energy conservation.

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