Ventilation


For the first time, we now have high, medium and low classification for ductwork.


Within many larger buildings, in which specific areas have quite widely differing functions, there will be a variety of classifications which will require each system to be designed and maintained according to its purpose. In a hos- pital, for example, laboratories, operating theatres and intensive care units will probably be rated as high, while the wards and kitchens may be classed as medium and the boiler room or laundry as low. Similarly, in a hotel, the bedrooms will attract a different classification to the kitchens or spa facilities. Most buildings will have differ- ent areas which will attract differ- ent ductwork classifications. However, what they will all have


in common from now on is that each will have to pass a test for the required level of cleanliness at the start of their lifecycle prior to commissioning; and will need to be regularly tested and cleaned as appropriate, in compliance with legal requirements, to that stan- dard periodically, depending on their use. This is an excellent development as it should mean that more consideration will be given to ductwork system design, to ensure that it can be inspected and cleaned with greater ease than some past systems.


Having new classifications of high, medium and low systems might sound as though installing them and keeping them clean is now a highly complicated matter. In fact, it has become more clear- cut and much simpler to know what is required. TR/19 now includes some really clear quick guide tables within the appendix- es. These explain the level of cleanliness required at the start and indicate exactly how often each classification of ductwork should be tested. It explains clear- ly at what point and to which standard they should be cleaned


in order to comply with legislation following the TR/19 guidelines. Expert knowledge and skill will still be required to conduct the testing and cleaning, but these guidelines can now inform the design, the installation and the ongoing hygiene maintenance of each system. Knowing how often it needs to be inspected will remind the system designer to include inspection doors at recom- mended intervals. Full design guidance is also available from the BE&S, in publications such as its DW/172 Specification for Kitchen Ventilation Systems.


The installer will also under- stand more clearly the condition in which the system should be hand- ed over, so it should be suitably and verifiably clean and efficient from the start. This could even help to reduce running costs in future, as a clean system is always more economical to run. Equally, for the responsible per- son for the building, the guess- work about how often ventilation ductwork should be inspected and cleaned has now been eliminated. This will make it easier for the facilities manager, through a PPM


Before and after


examples of extract ductwork


inspection and testing program to ensure that guidelines are followed and that compliance is achieved. It will also mean that compliance with BSEN:15780, BG49/2013 and TR/19 can all be achieved with one maintenance programme as all three sets of guidance now agree.


In the event of a major incident, the discovery that a building was not compliant can have serious legal consequences for those responsible for it, including prose- cution and even imprisonment. But, by following TR/19, the installer can now be sure that they have also complied with BSEN:15780 and BG49/2013. They will also, by leaving a cleaned system prior to commis- sioning, be helping to ensure the long-term health of the building, leaving those who use it with a genuinely fresh start and a more clear cut ongoing maintenance programme that will help them to stay compliant in the future.


// The author is the MD of Swiftclean Building Services and also served on BSRIA and B&ES steering committees responsible for TR/19 //


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HVR | October 2014 | 17


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