Construction vibrations can impact the operations of nearby healthcare facilities, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website. Adjacent buildings may be affected depending on proximity, the type of construction and the sensitivity of the equipment.
Facilities need to assess vibration sensitivity, predict impacts, provide mitigation and monitor the situation. Construction vibration monitoring is required at most building sites to address structural damage to nearby buildings, but that may not be the only issue with healthcare construction.
Some activities and equipment can be affected by vibration below the level of human perception, the article said.
In a hospital environment, vibration can affect areas including operating rooms, pathology and imaging labs.