Controlling the environment within hospitals to stop the spread of disease and infection is very important. Selectaglaze secondary glazing creates an excellent barrier to help prevent this and has a wide range of healthcare products from switchable glass to anti-ligature furniture and units that are Secured by Design accredited
Many hospital buildings of traditional construction have ill-fitting windows which are not only draughty and poorly insulating but admit dirt and dust from outside, leading to problems of cleanliness and discomfort.
Secondary glazing with high performance seals can block the dirt and draughts and when glazed with a thermally efficient, low emissivity glass will reduce U-values across the window to less than 1.9, a reduction of up to 65% against a single-glazed metal window. This will create cleaner, warmer surroundings for recuperation, as well as help reduce energy consumption.
Selectaglaze secondary glazing not only creates a warmer environment but also achieves very high levels of sound insulation. The speed of patient rehabilitation is important, with sleep playing a major part in the healing process. Selectaglaze secondary glazing systems can reduce noise levels by 42-45dB with standard glass and even higher levels achieved with thicker glass.
Besides environmental improvements, Selectaglaze secondary glazing also helps with secure environments such as mental health units, where there is a need to protect patients from self-harm.
Pharmacies and laboratories where sensitive or dangerous materials are stored and used can also benefit from secondary glazing, as well as data centres where patient information is kept. A range of products tested to PAS 24 and Loss Prevention Standard LPS1175 are available.
St Barts refurbishment and secondary glazing
In recent years, many of the buildings at London’s Barts Hospital have been sensitively refurbished with specific focus on restoring them to their former 18th century glory. Others have been demolished to make way for new facilities, including light and airy four-bedded single sex wards and others consisting of single rooms with en suite facilities. But perhaps the crowning glory of the development is the creation of a state-of-the-art cancer and cardiac centre of excellence.
Working closely with main contractor Skanska, the initial task for Selectaglaze was to provide acoustic insulation to eradicate external site noise and prevent ingress of dust from the demolition works into the remaining buildings. The wards provided a particular challenge as it was essential they remained fully functional at all times. To resolve problems associated with masonry drilling, Selectaglaze and Skanska devised a system of wedging and bonding timber subframes into the window reveals, which supported slimline fixed glazed panels.
The second phase of the involvement was providing secondary glazing in 10 of the operating theatres, ensuring they maintained the highest standards of sterility and controlled conditions. Series 41 side hung casements were installed allowing the complex combination of specially developed power roller privacy blinds, together with blackout blinds, which were deemed essential in order to contain lasers used within the theatres.
Secondary glazing plays a critical part in ensuring that these state-of-the-art theatres maintain the very highest standards of sterile and controllable conditions.
Smyth House: Adhering to patient safety and security
Smyth House opened in 1838 as a result of the County Asylums Act of 1808, which stipulated that every county must provide facilities for “pauper and criminal lunatics”. St. Andrew’s has always kept abreast with technological and medical advances and in recent years, a number of new facilities have been built, the latest of which is Smyth House, a women’s residential unit designed to accommodate patients assessed as medium risk.
Working closely with main contractor Gleeson, Selectaglaze’s brief was to provide secondary glazing units with integral venetian blinds, adhering to St. Andrew’s criteria of both high security and patient safety while permitting authorised personnel essential access to the primary windows.
Selectaglaze met the brief by installing their Series 40 side hung casements. Safety requirements to reduce the risk of injury to patients were covered by the use of scratch-resistant polycarbonate in place of glass and special anti-ligature controls were developed to operate the blinds. Access to operate the windows is via the use of specialist secure tools. Since completion of this project, the Series 40 range has been upgraded to Series 41.
With 50 years of experience working within hospitals and healthcare establishments, Selectaglaze is the leading secondary glazing specialist and tailors its windows to each client’s needs. In addition to providing a secure environment, secondary glazing will reduce heat loss and almost eliminate draughts, making the rooms more comfortable and improving the energy performance of the building.
Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze has a wealth of knowledge from working on all building types. The company offers a wide range of tested products covering acoustic and thermal performance, as well as protection against intruder and blast mitigation. A free technical advisory service is offered and RIBA-approved CPDs are available to architects and designers.
Selectaglaze
Tel: +44 (0)1727 837271
Twitter: @selectaglaze
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