The acoustic requirements of medical facilities, including health centres and care homes, within the UK are laid down in NHS Estates document HTM 08-01. This covers a wide range of acoustics and vibration issues. It sets performance standards for facilities and gives worked examples of acoustic design.
Vibration of floors is critical within a medical environment for personal comfort but also to ensure sensitive equipment works effectively. We therefore prepare calculations and designs to ensure that with normal use there is no possibility of floors vibrating as staff or patients walk around the building. The Steel Construction Institute gives guidance here.
In considering the suitability of acoustic materials for use in medical environments and care homes, the overwhelming need is that it cannot harbour germs and is robust and cleanable. A new generation of proprietary acoustic treatments is now available for use in reducing noise within medical environments.
Projects include: