HEALTHCARE VENTILATION


Derogations from HTM 03-01 are, it seems, a cost-saving method used by some AHU manufacturers. If this is done so transparently, then one could argue that no harm is being done, but that is only if the client is fully aware of the implications of not being HTM 03-01-compliant. At operational level, there are considerable running expenses to be incurred by using less efficient materials and components, so the cost savings gained in terms of capital cost are very much outweighed by the operational costs. This includes, but is not limited to, factors such as: n Increased running costs due to higher energy use.


n The potential for increased maintenance costs due to lower quality materials.


n Increased fire risk that would lead to replacement materials being required.


As mentioned in our introduction, the rationale behind the HTM 03-01 (2021) guidance is not cost, but the health and wellbeing of service users, along with the NHS’s keen focus on becoming more sustainable. Therefore there are other issues associated with not being compliant, including, but again not limited to, the following: n Reduced indoor air quality as a result of poor filtration.


n Increased fire risk, with the potential to harm employees and service-users.


n High energy consumption due to inefficient components/ technology.


n Loss of contract due to not being HTM 03-01 (2021)-compliant.


Is there a place for value-engineered alternatives? Most manufacturers will have experienced some pressure from clients who are under budgetary restrictions, and will understandably offer value-engineered solutions to try meet their needs. The important bit is with that, they also need to be transparent about what these alternatives mean for compliance, and advise clients as to whether or not their unit will still meet HTM 03-01 (2021) guidelines: n Manufacturers must be clear about the solutions they deliver, and what they can and cannot do.


n For example, a T3/TB3 construction might suffice for the project, and they tell you this, but must also explain that it doesn’t meet HTM 03-01 (2021) guidance stipulations.


n Manufacturers should not offer sub- standard construction simply to save on cost, because it will end up costing the end-user, either financially or morally, in the longer term.


Due diligence


As part of our due diligence at Airedale, we contacted the author of HTM 03-01 (2021) to consider the cost implications,


‘‘


At operational level, there are considerable running expenses to be incurred by using less efficient materials and components, so the cost savings gained in terms of capital cost are very much outweighed by the operational costs


and what impact deviating from the regulations might have. It was advised which clauses of HTM we must not deviate from, and we adhere to this; hence why our conformity to the HTM might seem so strict when compared with our competitors. Of the derogations that are acceptable,


we will detail what it would entail, the cost saving, and add any additional information we think our clients need to know. We also ask our clients to sign to confirm their understanding and acceptance of any derogations.


Supporting our NHS and other healthcare facilities As a trusted and experienced bespoke air-handling unit manufacturer with a long history of working with the NHS, and supplying HTM 03-01-compliant AHUs, we will always work to meet our clients’ requests, ensuring they receive the best advice available without compromising on safety, wellbeing, and legislation.


Our experience of working with HTMs


allows us to understand, interpret, and apply the guidelines, ensuring that the wellbeing of the end-users – the patients and staff in healthcare facilities – is not compromised. With this knowledge comes a responsibility, and because healthcare is such an important sector, we want to share our knowledge of the guidelines so that those with perhaps less experience of them can look out for specifications that may have deviated from the guidelines, or perhaps don’t have the correct paperwork to support the derogation. Having such detailed knowledge of


HTM 03-01 means we can recognise when it isn’t being correctly implemented and what impact this might have. If cost is a driver, we can work with you to find value-engineered solutions, but if HTM 03-01 compliance is the goal, then education is important to understand the upfront costs, the lifecycle payback, and the implications of being non-compliant.


Ed Burnett. Airedale


Between them the authors of this article, Ed Burnett, Ben Scott Wilson, and Adam Carney, have over 35 years’ industry experience. AHU Product Development engineers based at Airedale’s production plant in Consett in the UK, they form part of the Commercial and Industrial team, led by Jonathan Jones. Working with the team at Consett, they spearhead the AHU research and development process at Airedale, ensuring that the company continues to be known and valued for quality, innovation, and sustainability.


Proud to be a member of Made in Britain, Airedale claims to be ‘a world-leader in the delivery of innovative thermal management solutions to the healthcare industry’. With extensive experience of working with the NHS, the company is expert in the application of Health Technical Memorandum 03-01 (2021), and works closely with clients to deliver HTM 03-01-compliant cooling solutions, meeting specific temperature and air filtration requirements. Since 2021, Airedale has presented its CIBSE approved HTM 03-01 CPD to over 750 professionals, covering the updates to, and application of, HTM 03-01 (2021) in more detail.


October 2023 Health Estate Journal 55


Ben Scott Wilson.


Adam Carney.


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