HEALTHCARE VENTILATION ‘‘ Filters for an air-handling system.


design of new systems and modifications to existing systems, annual verification and performance testing, and prioritisation of equipment for replacement. Any proposed changes that may affect


the safety or resilience of ventilation systems must be reviewed and signed off by VSG. This includes the potential impact of proposed building work on site, and its possible effect on air intakes. While the revised HTM was produced


before the emergence of COVID-19, the guidance takes account of all known transmission evidence available at the time of publication. In this context, it states that ventilation is firmly established as one of the principal mitigations against the virus, and should be part of a package of infection prevention and control measures. The authors conclude that the recommended ventilation rates proposed ‘are likely to provide a lower risk environment for COVID-19 airborne transmission’.


Welfare and maintenance of staff The safety and welfare of maintenance staff attending to hospital ventilation is also addressed. There is a requirement to provide covered access for staff while servicing air-handling units located externally on a rooftop or on the ground. This is to ensure that staff are protected, and that equipment is shielded from possible water ingress, while access panels are removed during maintenance. For our own part, CIAT has developed a weather- proof enclosure made of galvanised steel that runs alongside the unit, to provide complete protection from the elements during servicing work, and prevent dirt and moisture from entering the unit to minimise contamination risks. A further measure to reduce


environmental impact requires that components such as bypass dampers and related gears, must not be made of


62 Health Estate Journal April 2023


Effective management of condensate To minimise the risk of Legionella and other sources of contamination, effective management of condensate water remains a key consideration. In compliance with the requirements, drain pipework on our own air-handling units for hospitals is fitted with specialist borosilicate glass, enabling service staff to quickly see any build-up of deposits. Certain spaces within hospitals may


require tailored ventilation systems to address specific needs. For example, endoscopy rooms where invasive examinations are carried out are required to have negative pressure. This helps protect staff from exposure to waste anaesthetic gases released in the room, and airborne infection risks. The role of refrigerants as contributors


to global warming and equipment efficiency should also be considered. The guidance advises that selection should be made carefully with reference to the current F-Gas Regulations, which are subject to constant review. The main consideration is to select the refrigerant with the lowest global warming potential for a given application. It also advises taking account of the life expectancy of equipment versus the future availability and increasing cost of the refrigerant.


A ‘head-start’ The detailed, up-to-date guidance contained in HTM 03-01 provides an excellent head-start and reference for designers, HVAC practitioners, and building managers responsible for delivering high quality ventilation for hospitals. It takes account of the complex needs of all stakeholders – patients, staff, and visitors, as well as the hands- on professionals who install and service equipment during its lifecycle, balancing these needs with the requirement to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.


As well as being responsible for all aspects of ongoing ventilation safety and resilience, the Ventilation Safety Group’s remit includes the design of new systems and modifications to existing systems, annual verification and performance testing, and prioritisation of equipment for replacement


plastics. Manufacturers are now using alternative solutions made of steel that perform just as effectively without reliance on single-use plastics. In a further design refinement, CIAT has developed a new drain pan made of stainless steel, which is easier to clean and helps maintain hygiene. The design also helps minimise the overall height of the unit, which is valuable in situations where space is tight.


Lee Jenkins-Skinner


Lee Jenkins-Skinner has spent nearly a decade working in the HVAC industry, and brings a wealth of knowledge in air-handling units and ventilation solutions to CIAT. Having studied design and industrial engineering at The University of Manchester, he started his career as a mechanical product designer, but soon found his true vocation in HVAC as an application engineer. Joining CIAT in 2018 as a pre-sales engineer, in 2022 he was promoted to AHU Product manager, UK & Ireland. In this role, he is responsible for supporting the development of the company’s air-handling and roof-top units. He supports the products by providing internal and external training specific to users’ needs, and developing or modifying selection tools to increase productivity. In the early stages of his career, he was involved in selecting HTM 03-01-certified AHUs to meet stringent guidelines. CIAT’s air-handling units have been installed in hospital operating theatres, inpatient, and outpatient units, and other healthcare settings, throughout the UK and Ireland. Today, Lee Jenkins-Skinner provides the CIAT team with advice and guidance on a variety of standards-related topics, and assists with the design and build of AHUs.


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