Ventilation systems for hospitals
and healthcare facilities
In hospital environments, air quality is a permanent safety issue. Medical laboratories, storage areas and technical rooms generate corrosive vapours and gases — formaldehyde, disinfectants, solvents — requiring effective and reliable air extraction.
SEAT Ventilation supplies centrifugal fans and air extraction systems adapted to the specific constraints of healthcare facilities. Our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the medical sector, built over 55 years of ventilation experience, have contributed to providing tailored ventilation solutions to hospitals worldwide. Our engineers have the information needed to optimise the operation of your SEAT Ventilation air extraction systems or to support you in their use.
Ventilation needs in healthcare facilities
In hospital environments, air quality deteriorates due to the presence of all kinds of particles throughout the building. Hospital ventilation is an essential link in these care settings: it guarantees a healthy working environment for staff, patients and visitors. Medical personnel are daily exposed to gases and fumes that pose health risks. In areas requiring the highest level of cleanliness, airflow management, ambient air distribution and the stability of environmental conditions are of paramount importance.
Medical & anatomical pathology laboratories
The techniques used in anatomical pathology laboratories commonly involve the handling of significant quantities of formalin — a gas highly irritating to the eyes and respiratory system. Handling formalin exposes staff to inhalation health risks. In a strict regulatory context, hospitals must implement a chemical risk assessment and prevention approach: all laboratories must be equipped with toxic vapour and gas extractors. Formaldehyde is classified as a proven carcinogen by the IARC, with strict OELVs: 0.3 ppm over 8h and 0.5 ppm as a short-term value.
⚠ Proven carcinogen — strict OELVsTechnical rooms & chemical storage areas
Disinfectant storage areas, preparation rooms and hospital technical spaces generate continuous gaseous emissions requiring permanent mechanical ventilation. Chlorinated disinfectants, organic solvents, dilute acids — these products can release harmful concentrations in cases of dense storage or high temperatures. Depending on the nature of the products and their classification, ATEX-rated installation may be a regulatory requirement.
🔥 Possible ATEX zoneOur solutions for healthcare facilities
SEAT Ventilation offers a complete range of air extraction equipment for hospitals: from polypropylene centrifugal fans to intelligent flow rate regulation systems. Each solution is selected and sized according to the chemicals present, the required flow rates and the installation constraints of the ductwork system.
Centrifugal extractors in polypropylene
Manufactured in polypropylene (PP), our fans resist the corrosive agents found in hospital environments: dilute acids, bases, chlorinated disinfectants, organic solvents. PP offers excellent broad chemical resistance, including to aldehydes such as formaldehyde. The SEAT, JET and STORM series cover a wide flow range — from a few hundred to several thousand m³/h — and adapt to all installation configurations, from individual laboratories to centralised multi-fume-hood networks.
SMARTFLOW
Flow rate controller for hospital laboratory fume hoods. SMARTFLOW continuously measures sash opening and adjusts the extraction flow rate in real time, ensuring a face velocity compliant with EN 14175 whatever the sash position. This dynamic regulation guarantees staff protection while reducing energy consumption by 30 to 60% compared to a constant flow rate. Compatible with BMS/GTB systems via MODBUS.
SEAT RX
In-duct flow rate regulator for centralised multi-fume-hood installations. SEAT RX dynamically controls the overall extraction flow based on the number of simultaneously active fume hoods, avoiding network oversizing. Designed for large hospital facilities with several laboratories connected to a centralised extractor. BMS integration and MODBUS communication included.
Our approach for your hospital project
From needs analysis to commissioning, SEAT Ventilation supports you at every stage.
- 01Premises and chemical auditIdentification of risk areas, products handled and concentrations to be extracted according to regulatory OELVs
- 02Chemical compatibility checkConsultation of our chemical compatibility index to validate polypropylene against your specific products
- 03Aeraulic sizingFlow rate calculation, pressure drop analysis and fan selection via our Zephyr tool
- 04Regulation & EN 14175 complianceIntegration of SMARTFLOW or SEAT RX for fume hood standard compliance and energy optimisation
- 05ATEX verification if requiredExplosive zone analysis and selection of ATEX-certified equipment for flammable solvent storage areas
Why SEAT Ventilation?
Concrete results from commissioning, in France and internationally.
Polypropylene resistant to acids, bases, chlorinated disinfectants, organic solvents and aldehydes. Controlled thermoplastic manufacturing.
Equipment compliant with OELV requirements, EN 14175 fume hood standard, and ATEX certifications available.
SMARTFLOW adaptive regulation — 30 to 60% savings on extraction consumption compared to fixed flow rate.
SEAT Ventilation equips healthcare facilities in more than 40 countries for over 55 years.
What our clients say
Over 500 organisations trust SEAT Ventilation worldwide.
The longevity and reliability of your products is truly impressive. We have extractors that have been running 24/7 for 13 years without any issues. Robust, reliable and easy to maintain.
Since the beginning of our relationship in 1998, we have received appropriate technical advice whenever we need it. A trusted partner, with a straightforward and efficient working method.
Certifications & partnerships
SEAT Ventilation is a member of several reference bodies in the aeraulic and laboratory industry, ensuring our equipment complies with applicable standards.
Frequently asked questions — hospital ventilation
Everything you need to know before making a decision.
Which hospital rooms require specific air extraction?−
Primarily medical and anatomical pathology laboratories (handling of formalin and solvents), chemical storage areas, disinfection rooms and technical spaces. These areas require extractors resistant to chemical corrosion. Regulations impose strict occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) that dictate the sizing of installations.
Why is formaldehyde a priority risk in hospital laboratories?+
Formaldehyde (formalin) is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the IARC. It is widely used in anatomical pathology for fixing tissue specimens. OELVs are 0.3 ppm over 8h and 0.5 ppm as a short-term value. These thresholds require effective source extraction via a fume hood connected to a correctly sized polypropylene extractor.
What materials are suitable for extractors in hospital environments?+
Polypropylene (PP) is the reference material for hospital ventilation: it resists dilute acids, bases, chlorinated disinfectants, common solvents and aldehydes. To verify compatibility with your specific products, consult our chemical compatibility index.
How do you size an extractor for a hospital laboratory?+
Sizing is based on the number of fume hoods, their dimensions, the required unit flow rates (generally 0.5 m/s face velocity per EN 14175) and duct pressure drops. Our Zephyr tool enables this calculation online. For complex multi-laboratory installations, our technical team provides personalised support.
Are your products compatible with ATEX zones in hospital environments?+
Yes. Certain hospital areas — particularly flammable solvent and alcohol storage zones — may require ATEX-certified equipment. SEAT Ventilation offers a dedicated range for explosive atmospheres with the required certifications. An ATEX zone analysis must be carried out by an accredited body before any installation.
Need advice for your hospital project?
Our engineers specialised in corrosive environment ventilation assess your needs and propose a tailored solution. Free quote, no commitment, response within 48h.
