530
Cost Base: Functional Area Costs
534.6
PLUMBING DISTRIBUTION
534.6.1
Figures 530-9 and 530-10 illustrate the proportion of plumbing distribution
costs among functional areas at Miami and Memphis. Variations in the
unit cost between these areas is generally attributable to special
requirements in one or more of the four basic plumbing components:
equipment, piping, medical gas distribution and fire protection.
534.6.2
The only functional areas that are significantly affected by abnormal
equipment costs are the laundries at both hospitals and the swimming
pool at Memphis. In each case the costs included for equipment
represents approximately one quarter of the total costs.
534.6.3
Piping costs are a major factor in the deep therapy department, dietetic
service, central service and laundry facilities. In each case they comprise
60 percent or more of the total. Those areas in which the piping costs
represent approximately one half of the total are the nursing units,
radiology, laboratories, miscellaneous service areas, and the cafeteria.
Those areas in which the piping costs amount to approximately one third
of the total include the surgical suites, recovery, physical medicine, and
the warehouse and storage areas.
534.6.4
The medical gas piping, which is concentrated in the nursing, recovery,
and intensive care units as well as the surgical suites, radiology
department, and laboratories, is a high cost factor for those functional
areas. These same areas are similarly affected by the costs of special
equipment, and special rough plumbing for equipment.
534.6.5
The cost of fire protection throughout both facilities represents a small
proportion of the total costs with the exception of cafeterias, warehouse
and storage areas, and the shops, all of which are required to have
automatic sprinkler systems. The animal research laboratory at Memphis
also has a high proportionate cost for this item.
534.6.6
The highest indicated unit costs for plumbing at both Miami and Memphis
are found in the laundries. This is due to the special equipment and
equipment connections, and the need for large capacity, independent
subsystem elements. For example, the laundry facilities include separate
hot water generator, compressed air units, heat reclaimers, and water
softening apparatus.
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