A Qualitative Evaluation of Indoor Parking Facilities in Medical Facilities from The Perspective of Occupational Health and Safety

Abstract

In recent years, the number of city hospitals and regional healthcare facilities has been steadily increasing in Turkey. These facilities are advanced technological and medical spaces that house multiple healthcare units and provide health services to the people in their respective regions. This situation has led to the creation of environments where thousands of people gather and where various risks from different backgrounds are present. Closed parking areas, which pose significant risks in terms of occupational health and safety, are an important component of healthcare facilities. This is because the exhaust emissions released in the closed parking areas of medical facilities can interact with the chemicals present and used in the facility. Therefore, ventilation systems in the closed parking areas of medical facilities should not only consider exhaust emissions but also take into account the risks associated with the use of chemicals in services located near the parking area. Additionally, the periodic health examinations of parking employees should be conducted differently from other healthcare workers, with a specific focus on the pollutants emitted in exhaust fumes. Ultimately, the parking areas of medical facilities should be treated differently from other units, with specific risk assessments, health surveillance, and occupational health and safety training tailored to the area.