In healthcare environments, noise is more than a nuisance—it's a factor that directly affects patient outcomes, staff performance, and overall facility efficiency. Whether it’s ensuring patient confidentiality during consultations or creating restful environments in wards, acoustic doors play a pivotal role in sound management. However, selecting the right acoustic solutions begins with understanding RW ratings.
This blog explores the science of RW ratings, their practical implications for healthcare fitouts, and how Criterion Industries' Silencio range offers an ideal solution to balance compliance and functionality.
RW ratings (Weighted Sound Reduction Index) measure the ability of a building material or system, such as a door, to reduce sound transmission. Expressed in decibels (dB), the higher the RW rating, the more effective the material is at blocking sound.
RW ratings consider various frequencies, creating a single number to compare performance. Unlike older methods like the STC (Sound Transmission Class), RW ratings reflect real-world applications more accurately, making them highly relevant in industries like healthcare where precise acoustic control is critical.
CSIRO, Clayton Victoria - Criterion Industries testing 2024
Confidentiality is paramount in healthcare. Patients need assurance that conversations with healthcare providers remain private, and acoustic doors with appropriate RW ratings can significantly reduce the risk of sound leakage.
For example:
Excessive noise can disrupt sleep patterns, increase stress levels, and delay healing processes. Research from the World Health Organisation recommends noise levels in hospital wards not exceed 35 dB during the day and 30 dB at night.
Healthcare staff often work long hours under immense pressure. Acoustic control ensures that nurses and doctors can concentrate in break rooms or operate effectively in high-noise zones like emergency departments.
Doors are often overlooked in acoustic design but serve as a key barrier against noise. Selecting the right RW-rated door ensures a functional balance between soundproofing and ease of access.
When evaluating acoustic doors, it’s important to understand what different RW ratings achieve:
Achieving high RW ratings isn’t solely about the door itself—it also depends on:
RW-rated doors ensure sensitive conversations stay private. Silencio acoustic doors by Criterion Industries achieve excellent performance in this application, combining durable materials with optimised seals for sound reduction.
Restful environments demand superior noise reduction. Acoustic doors help block sounds from bustling hallways, creating tranquil spaces conducive to recovery.
Even non-clinical areas benefit from acoustic solutions. From boardrooms to HR offices, RW-rated doors support productivity and privacy in essential back-of-house spaces.
Criterion Industries 145 Partition suite
The Silencio range by Criterion Industries is designed to provide industry-leading acoustic performance without compromising functionality. These doors are rigorously tested in CSIRO labs, offering solutions for healthcare fitouts that balance compliance, aesthetics, and user needs.
Hinged doors:
Sliding doors:
Silencio Barwon Aluminium doors
When specifying acoustic doors for healthcare spaces, consider the following steps:
Assess Acoustic Needs
Evaluate the specific soundproofing requirements for each area. For example, consultation rooms demand higher RW ratings than corridors.
Match RW Ratings to Purpose
Refer to the facility’s acoustic design criteria to select doors that balance sound control with usability.
Consult Professionals
Collaborating with acoustic engineers and product specialists ensures solutions are tailored to the project. Criterion Industries offers consultation services to help architects and builders specify the right acoustic solutions.
Acoustic doors are essential components of healthcare fitouts, contributing to patient confidentiality, restful recovery environments, and staff efficiency. Understanding RW ratings provides architects, engineers, and builders with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when choosing acoustic solutions.
The Silencio range by Criterion Industries stands out as a trusted option, combining industry-leading RW ratings with versatility. Whether it's ensuring quiet patient wards or confidential consultation rooms, Silencio offers a proven solution to meet the demands of modern healthcare environments.
Ready to learn more? Explore our Silencio range or contact Criterion Industries to discuss your next project.
