Compliance
will eventually obstruct the ductwork itself so that the overall airflow is reduced. If it is not possible to draw in a good supply of cooler, fresher air, the drier drum is prone to overheating. These two factors together – overheating, combined with the highly flammable nature of fibre deposits – constitute a very serious potential fire risk. Lint, in particular, is highly flammable, and when lint deposits are reheated by subsequent use of the drier, the risk of their combusting is even greater. Should a fire start, the ductwork, acting as a chimney, can become a channel through which fire can spread. The only way to remove this fire risk is
to remove fibre deposits on a regular basis, in compliance with TR19 Air. Fortunately, this standalone specification contains helpful tables which stipulate how often the ductwork should be cleaned, according to the frequency and duration of its use. This regular cleaning should be
conducted by an expert cleaning provider; ideally, a member of the BESA Vent Hygiene Register (VHR), which is the UK’s official register for vent and ductwork hygiene contractors. In order to become, and remain, VHR members, specialist cleaning providers are required to demonstrate a good track record of compliance, using only appropriately trained, competent operatives. Trained technicians will ensure that cleaning is carried out competently and compliantly every time.
Building managers The building manager or owner has serious responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 to ensure that they minimise the risk of fire in the
of the BESA, and its post clean certification is widely recognised by both insurance companies and the authorities. Demonstrating compliance to your buildings’ insurer will be invaluable in the event of a fire, as an increasing number of insurers now refuse to pay out if you cannot provide evidence that you have done all you can – or are obliged to do – to prevent a fire. Demonstrating this same compliance to the authorities can be even more critical, as the Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 can be prosecuted for negligence, and a conviction may result in a custodial sentence. This is especially true if there has been a fire which resulted in injuries or fatalities. BESCA post-clean certification of compliance with TR19 Air is therefore a very helpful defence in law against a charge of negligence.
premises. Not only must the manager comply with the regulations; they also need to be able to demonstrate their compliance. Perhaps the most valuable evidence of compliance comes in the form of Building Engineering Services Competent Assessment (BESCA) post-clean certification, which includes before and after photography of each section of ductwork. BESCA is the certification arm
Only a VHR member can provide BESCA post-clean certification. They should also be able to deliver a full digital report within 30 days of completion of the clean (we always aim for within five working days); including the essential pre- and post-clean digital photographs. Your VHR member will also help to ensure that you stay compliant by helping you to establish an ongoing plan for preventative cleaning and maintenance. They will prompt you when cleaning is due, and agree a date for technicians to visit to ensure that your compliance does not lapse. This helps you to minimise your fire risk on a longer-term basis and helps to protect the smooth running of your care home. Digital post-clean evidence will follow promptly after each visit, providing peace of mind as well as evidence of compliance.
A package of services
There can be benefits in purchasing a package of services. TR19 Air also covers ventilation system hygiene, while its sister specification, TR19 Grease, governs compliance in kitchen extract systems. Your kitchen extract system can also harbour a serious fire hazard in the build- up of airborne grease, which must also be competently and professionally removed to prevent fire spreading through a grease laden kitchen extract system. If you have an in-house kitchen, you will also require evidence of your compliance with TR19 Grease, and again, only a member of the BESA VHR can provide this.
The other vital element of laundry is, of course, a safe water supply, which is also essential for general cleaning purposes. This
February 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 27
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
