Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is the significance of ASHRAE 170 in healthcare settings?

1. It defines standards for laboratory design

2. It outlines ventilation requirements for healthcare facilities

3. It sets guidelines for medical waste disposal

4. It provides protocols for patient admission procedures

The correct answer is: It outlines ventilation requirements for healthcare facilities

ASHRAE 170 is significant in healthcare settings because it outlines ventilation requirements specific to healthcare facilities. This standard lays out crucial guidelines that help ensure adequate ventilation—an important factor for infection control, patient comfort, and overall safety within healthcare environments. Proper ventilation is particularly vital in spaces where patients are treated or where procedures are performed, as it helps mitigate the risks associated with airborne pathogens and improves the overall quality of the indoor air. By adhering to ASHRAE 170, healthcare facilities can design their ventilation systems to support a safe and healthy environment for both patients and healthcare workers. This is essential for compliance with health regulations and for improving the efficacy of healthcare delivery. Other options listed deal with different aspects of healthcare provision, such as laboratory design, medical waste disposal, and patient admission procedures, but they do not pertain specifically to the strict ventilation standards that ASHRAE 170 addresses.