Air permeability testing of isolation facilities
Air permeability testing of isolation facilities (BTS 3/2018) was written by Blanca Beato Arribas and Tom Jones and published by BSRIA in 2018.
An isolation suite can be formed of several adjacent rooms, including an entrance lobby, the patient’s room and en-suite facilities and, on some occasions, other rooms such as an exit lobby and an instrument room. Air leakage in isolation suites needs to be minimised to reduce the risk of infection. Air leakage to or from an isolation suite translates into unaccounted-for airborne pathogens travelling from or to other hospital areas.
This standard recommends limits for the overall air leakage of isolation suites in healthcare facilities and also gives recommendations on how to measure air leakage through paths such as doors and door grilles, allowing for comparison against the design specifications.
Air leakage in isolation suites needs to be minimised to reduce the risk of infection. Air leakage to or from an isolation suite translates into unaccounted-for airborne pathogens travelling from or to other hospital areas. The design of the isolation suite should take into account the airflows through the doors, grilles, pressure stabilisers, supply and extract grilles and other components and the air leakage through the envelope. The successful operation of an isolation suite requires the air permeability to be within its required criterion and the airflow through known air leakage paths to be within defined limits.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Specifications
- Test procedure
- Test regime
- Test report
- Appendix A: Calculation of specific leakage rate
- Appendix B: Calculation of leakage through individual elements
- Appendix C: Calculation of leakage through doors
The standard can be downloaded free from https://www.bsria.com/uk/product/BA8E4D/air_permeability_testing_of_isolation_facilities_bts_32018_a15d25e1/
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Air change rate.
- Air permeability in isolation rooms.
- Air permeability testing.
- Air permeability.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Clean indoor air for healthy living - New air filter standards.
- Design of isolation rooms for infection control.
- Hospital isolation rooms.
- Indoor air quality.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.