INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL


above ground drainage connections from sanitaryware and connections into stacks show evidence of poor installation. The main issues as regards quality of installation are time, budget, training, and the appropriate management of people. Construction and MEP projects are


almost always undertaken against very tight time constraints, particularly within the NHS, and this general lack of time can result in corner-cutting. It will almost always be the perceived ‘non- essential services’ that will suffer, and drainage systems are often impacted by this unfortunate process. Budget is a very similar issue. In terms of all the systems required in a healthcare scenario, drainage will surely be seen as of a lower priority, compared with medical gas pipelines, water services, electrical, and fire services etc. With budgets often tight, compromises need to be made, and drainage services are often high on the list of services that can be downgraded in expense, either through quality of design, materials, or competent install.


Factoring in the ‘people factor’ Beyond the general issues of time and budget that affect all projects by some measure, there is the people factor that needs to be considered. Drainage system installation is not considered in the sector as a skilled job, and in fact the installation of above ground drainage connected to services is not exclusively carried out by appropriately trained plumbers, and – even when it is – the risks posed by drains within a healthcare environment are not well communicated. Appropriate training on the risks


associated with drainage, and poor installation within healthcare environments, are issues that need to be raised at industry level, and such considerations should ideally form part of all plumbing apprenticeships / vocational courses. For the risks to be minimised throughout the project process there are many factors to consider; people management, and monitoring of installation quality are key. These would traditionally be part of the job of the Clerk of Works – a role that has diminished in popularity through the NHS over the years but – when implemented appropriately, with well-defined process and sufficient knowledge of the risks versus the intended design – can be extremely effective in reducing poor practice and deviation from design.


Protecting exposed drains Throughout the installation process, there should be an emphasis on the protection of all exposed drains, while water systems should not be charged with water too early, and should be leak tested using compressed air. This will both allow for the drains to remain closed for elongated


June 2023 Health Estate Journal 49


timeframes throughout installation, and reduce the need for flushing of little used outlets until the water system commissioning phase begins. Exposed drains, including toilets,


washhand basins, and sinks, should be plugged or bunged using the appropriate means (not rags or paper towels) to prevent debris and building dust or other waste entering drainage systems until they are close to hand over. Underground drainage systems should also be protected from ingress of building debris.


Commissioning The aim of the commissioning process should be to ensure that the drainage system is installed as designed, operates as expected, and is clean and ready to be put into use. All drainage systems should ideally be leak tested. After all, a main purpose of the drainage system is to isolate the


waste from the environment, and any leaks should be identified before handover of a system, and be remedied before normal operation starts. The flow rates of the drainage systems should be checked against the intended design, and any deviation of these flow rates to the stacks, and to the main ground sewer, should be investigated, since they could be evidence of poor installation, or debris being present in the pipework. Before drainage systems are handed over for use, it may be considered good practice to use remote cameras to verify that the main sewers at ground level are appropriately clear. This – along with leak testing and flow rate data – will provide some assurance of a suitable drainage system.


Handover The handover process should be conducted over a period of time, and


Career Opportunities


Our state-of-the-art Training Centre was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal on 4th April 2023. This expansion and innovative new facility brings with it more career opportunities and a chance to join our incredibly experienced, and internationally renowned team. If you are looking to progress your career within Decontamination and HVAC & Mechanical then we may have just the opportunity for you.


At Eastwood Park Training we are looking to fill the following positions:


Decontamination Engineer/Trainer Responsible for undertaking maintenance on all types of decontamination equipment, fulfilling site-specific Authorised Person (Decontamination) duties and supporting the training team by delivering decontamination courses.


Portfolio Manager and Trainer - HVAC & Mechanical Responsible for the portfolio and development/ consultancy service, to include the development, updating, delivery, quality assurance and accreditation of the course/service provision offered.


Both positions are for 37 hours per week over 5 days, Monday to Friday.


There will be occasions when the training is on the clients site, you should be willing to travel, and stay away from home when required.


If you would like to find out more, please get in touch to discuss further: lyndsay.corbett@eastwoodpark.co.uk


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