Control Veterinary Hospital Noise and Odor at the Source

Control Veterinary Hospital Noise and Odor at the Source
Veterinary hospital noise besides being a nuisance can also have harmful effect on the patients and staff. A study shows that the noise created in an animal shelter can be louder than that of a jack hammer (110 dB). Excessive noise can be physically stressful to dogs and cause behavioral, anatomical, and physiological reactions. Out of the three main zones in the hospital, namely client, holding, and clinic the holding zone produces maximum noise making this our prime area to focus to mitigate noise. A common noise problem in shelters and veterinary facilities occurs when dogs are held in cages or gated kennels and they face one another. One bark triggers a chorus of barks raising stress levels in the dogs. Dogs being social species, they like to be with other dogs. When they can see other dogs, and can’t go near them there will be a lot of barking back and forth due to frustration.
The following strategies may be applied to facilities housing animals for longer periods to mitigate noise levels.
Acoustic Treatment
Raise the level of ceiling and use acoustical treatments suitable to expected moisture levels. Acoustical sound baffles or suspended acoustical ceilings are helpful. These areas are usually built with hard non-absorptive materials. Absorptive sound panels having high NRC ratings on the top third of the wall surfaces will give good results. Provide sound isolation walls between holding zone and the clinic. Sound seal doors and windows. Avoid leakage through plumbing, electrical, mechanical openings.
Layout
Have your wards in the rear of your hospital and let the clinic area act as a natural baffle for the client area which will be in the front. Clinic areas that are less sensitive may be located next to these areas. Avoid double-row corridor design. Locate the wards and runs near the outer walls if possible. Exterior walls, by virtue of their design, are more sound-deadening than the other interior walls and this will help in reducing potential nuisance noise being transmitted to adjoining living areas.
Ventilation
Exterior walls admit more natural light which is good for the wellbeing of the animal providing natural views and thus reducing stress. Less stress will reduce frequency of urination and defecation and reduce the odor. If there is no access to exterior wall, think of providing skylights for such wards. They are good for both staff and patients. Provide sufficient ventilation to holding areas. The return air should not enter the client areas. Air change should take place every 10-12 hours. Reduce sound transfer taking place through ductwork. Provide sound baffles in ducts where necessary.
Conclusion
Keep human contact with patients to reduce stress effects of being confined. Provide music or white noise. Though sound transmission cannot be entirely eliminated between zones without very high cost you can reduce the level of a shrill sound to a muffled one which will be within acceptable limits.