HEALTHCARE VENTILATION
and propensity for producing flaming droplets/particles. The classifications run from A1 to F, and are defined with examples in Table 2. Rockwool or mineral wool is one of the only materials that conform to a Euroclass A rating, as it is a non-combustible product. Any other insulating materials are classed as combustible, and must not be used. This is due to historic instances of lower quality insulation materials being used in building services, such as occurred in the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster. Rockwool insulation is standard across our range. By providing this type of insulation, we are offering the best option currently available to ensure conformity with HTM 03-01 (2021).
Fire rating derogation It has been observed that some other manufacturers do not conform to this regulation. We have examples of companies who detail their panel insulation on hospital AHUs as ‘Injected Polyurethane’ or ‘Polyurethane Foam’. Expanding polyurethane foam, once injected into the panels and hardened, can provide a strong material which will contribute to the structural strength of the AHU. Compared with other construction methods, it can substantially reduce the time and cost of production, because it allows for enclosure panels to be
Euroclass A1
A2-s1, d0 B C D E F
Definition
Non-combustible Combustible Combustible Combustible Combustible Combustible
Example Materials
Stone wool, glass wool, concrete, bricks Some phenolic foams Phenolic, some PIR PIR
Flame retarded EPS/XPS, PUR PUR
Table 2: The Euroclass fire rating system (drawn from HTM 03-01).
manufactured at a very large size, while preventing deformity, and therefore leakage and structural issues, with the panels. With a ‘good enough’ performance and reduced production time and costs, some manufacturers have used polyurethane in their construction, but because it is combustible, it isn’t suitable for HTM 03-01 applications. It is important that customers realise that any AHUs implementing this construction technique should not be passed off as compliant.
HTM 03-01 fire rating compliance promise To meet the strict HTM 03-01 (2021) fire rating guidelines, at Airedale we insulate our Barkell AHU enclosure panels with Rockwool, minimising the panel size, to maximise structural strength and prevent
leakage via panel deformation. Additional structural support is given through the use of AHU post work. This additional post work can be expensive on larger AHUs, and requires more time to fit and manufacture over large rigid panels. Due to the nature of Rockwool panels, the inner and outer skin of the panels have to be fitted together, increasing the overall time of manufacture, which will of course impact on cost. As with anything that impacts health
and safety, it is imperative to use the correct materials, and not cut corners. The impact of that is often cost, but when explained to customers, most accept that the investment is necessary in order to deliver the ‘Euroclass A’ rating required in HTM 03-01. As per Table 1, the thermal
Howorth Air Tech
A
Is it time to bring in a more versatile way of working? With our marLED®
range of operating lights it’s clear to see the difference.
for the future
• Latest LED Technology • Active shadow management • Perfect and even illumination • X-beam path for maximum variability
To enhance operating efficiency in your theatre, call 01204 700 900 or email us
info@howorthgroup.com
X
October 2023 Health Estate Journal 53
howorthgroup.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124
