First Draft 3-15-97
Equipment Plan Notes
Ambulatory Surgery Operating Room (General & Topical Anesthesia)
Note 1
The surgical light fixtures are (CC) unless the VAMC chooses to select a specific surgical light fixture during
design development. If the VAMC chooses the fixtures, they should be either (VV) or (CF). Coordination
involving structural support, utility connections, and other details are the responsibility of the designer.
Note 2
Nominal thickness of walls should be shown as 8 inches through design development. This is based upon
the need to accommodate a variety of panel boards, exhaust air ducts, and miscellaneous elements of
construction that require a thicker partition than in other areas of a clinic or hospital building. Partitions other
than the operating room enclosure should be shown nominally as 6 inches through design development
unless a special requirement dictates otherwise.
Note 3
Inclusion of x-ray shielding, consisting of a lead membrane in the partition, lead lined doors, and leaded
glass observation windows, is determined on a project basis. The need for radiation protection is based
upon the degree to which portable x-ray equipment is to be used in each of the operating rooms, and
continuous occupancy of adjacent spaces. Once it is determined that a lead membrane is required, the
exact location of that membrane and details related to it are the designer's responsibility.
Note 4
An automatic door opener is to be provided in the corridor at the doors between the operating room and the
peripheral corridor. A tread type of opener is permitted; however, a wall-mounted type of automatic door
opener is preferred.
Note 5
The ceiling mounted utility columns may be one of two types: articulating (as indicated on this guide plate
series), or retractable (telescoping). (See guide plate series Ambulatory Surgery Operating Room for a
graphic representation of retractable utility columns used in a 450 square foot operating room.) The VAMC
must decide which type of utility column to use during the design development phase of the project. If a
choice is made at this point, the utility columns may be (VV), (CF) or (CC). If the VAMC declines to make a
timely decision, then the utility columns will be (CC). Coordination involving structural support, utility
connections, and other details is the responsibility of the designer.
Note 6
Modular Casework - The VAMC has the option of choosing modular casework in lieu of built-in casework.
However, this decision must be made during the design development phase of the project. If modular
casework that is wall mounted is selected by the VAMC, the partitions must be designed to support the
casework. It should be noted that the standard studs found in the master specifications are insufficient to
carry this added weight; therefore, the equipment manufacturer's recommendations for supporting partitions
should be followed where appropriate.
Note 7
Clocks - For more information regarding clocks in the operating room see MCS, Division 16.
Note 8
See VA Handbook 7610 Chapter 286 of the Equipment Guide List for additional equipment not shown.
VA DESIGN GUIDE
AMBULATORY CARE INVASIVE PROCEDURES SUITE
GUIDE PLATE 4-1