DESIGN ALERT ON VETERINARY MEDICAL UNITS
(ANIMAL RESEARCH)
ISSUE:
Review of HVAC design criteria necessitated by HVAC system malfunction in the
Veterinary Medical Unit (VMU) at VAMC, Hines, IL.
BACKGROUND:
FM received the final report of the Board of Investigation on malfunctioning of HVAC
system which resulted in the death of 224 animals at the Hines medical center. The
report explains the circumstances surrounding the incident and makes
recommendations to avoid this problem in the future. Although the design concerns
presented by the Board did not contribute directly to the incident, a review of VA's
HVAC design criteria for VMU is warranted. A copy of this report was distributed to the
members attending HVAC Professional Group meeting of December 14, 1994, by Kurt
Knight.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION:
1. The HVAC Professional Group will meet on January 11, 1995, to discuss
recommendations made by the Board of Investigation and decide if any changes are
required to VA standards. The members are requested to review this report before the
meeting.
2. Meanwhile, if there's any VMU project out there you know of, ensure VA's Design
Guide on VMU is followed for reheat control valves. A space high temperature alarm in
VMU area is also recommended. VA HVAC design criteria and the master
specifications needs updating. These two documents will be updated soon after the
HVAC Professional Group meeting of January 11, 1995.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR MATION:
Contact Satish Sehgal at 202.565.5032 in the Standards Service (187C).
22 December 1994
FM-187C-DA27
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