FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Healthcare technology documents in the spotlight
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Two and a half years since the publication of the revised HTM 03-01 (2021) guidelines on ventilation for healthcare buildings, Ed Burnett, AHU product manager at Airedale reflects, in a Q&A, on what the guidelines have meant for the HVAC industry, how they impact day-today decision making, and what risks present from non-compliance
hat is HTM 03-01 is and how does it affects the HVAC industry within the Healthcare sector? The Health Technical Memoranda (HTMs) are
a series of documents published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), providing guidance for engineering technology used in the delivery of healthcare, with HTM 03-01 in particular considering the legal requirements, design, specification, installation, maintenance, and operation of ventilation systems in healthcare premises. The HTM 03-01 is published in two parts; Part A considering the design, specification, installation, and initial acceptance of a healthcare ventilation systems, whilst Part B covers the maintenance, management, and operation of those same systems. Part A applies to all new and refurbished installations, meaning these won’t need to be updated until the time they are refurbished and Part B is applicable to all systems, irrespective of their age, meaning that existing installations should comply with the new requirements retrospectively. It was revised in 2021 having not been changed since 2007, to reflect more modern day technologies, design and manufacturing methods, including more prevalent issues such as sustainability and indoor air quality. In the HVAC industry, it specifically relates to air handling units, which have to be manufactured from specific materials, in a certain way, and maintained to specific standards.
Does the HTM 03-01 specification create any issues for M&E consultants and NHS buying groups?
In our experience, most M&E consultants have a fairly solid understanding of air handling units in standard installations, but within healthcare installation there might be a knowledge-gap, simply because it is more specialist. HTM 03-01 guidelines are there to protect the health of service users and employees and play an important role in the function of the healthcare space, and so it is important that AHUs are compliant. Most consultants and estate
managers recognise this and prefer to work with specialist suppliers to get that level of expertise. As with any specialist products and services, the materials and skill-set involved often mean a higher cost when compared with standard units, and this is often where the conflict of interest arises. The most common issue we see is that sometimes, because they are under pressure to meet budgetary obligations on a project, manufacturers offer a non-compliant unit as a means of reducing cost. It is then down to the specifier, who has to make the decision between offering a non-compliant unit that meets budget, or a compliant unit that might cost slightly more.
Unfortunately, we also occasionally see examples of a small minority of manufacturers offering a specification for what they deem to be an HTM 03-01 compliant AHU, that in reality is non-compliant. This is usually done, we think, to reduce costs and win the order. However, it may also be because they don’t have the required technical expertise and so make assumptions on what derogations could be permissible.
What is it about the specification that might make an HTM 03-01 AHU more expensive than a standard unit?
Being HTM 03-01 compliant considers things like the construction of the unit, fire-rating of the unit, the filter grade, and the fan grade, along with installation and maintenance schedules. For example, HTM 03-01 units have to be BS EN 1886 T2/TB2 compliant and be manufactured using non-combustible materials such as glass wool. For efficiency, fans should be EC direct- drive type fans and maintenance has to be regular and effective. All of these things can increase the capital cost of the unit and as such, it can be tempting to cut corners to meet strict budgets, especially if the adjustments don’t appear to be critical.
Are derogations ever acceptable
As part of our due diligence at Airedale, we contacted the author of HTM 03-01 (2021) to consider the cost implications of meeting all the guidelines and what impact deviating
from the regulations might have. We took advice on which clauses of HTM we must not deviate from and we adhere to this guidance, so our clients can be reassured they are not getting short-changed. It would be too detailed to go into in this article, but this approach can be nicely summarised by this line in the HTM 03-01 document: This guidance is not mandatory (unless specifically stated). However, any departures/ derogations from this HTM – including the measures implemented – should provide a degree of safety not less than that achieved by following the guidance set out in this HTM. It is important to note that there are no short cuts, and in all instances any derogations have to meet a standard to be compliant. At Airedale, when derogations might be acceptable, we refer to the guidance within the HTM document and our own discussions with the author.
One thing for certain is that in all instances, non-compliance should be declared so that the buyer can make an informed decision. As mentioned earlier, there are instances where manufacturers are issuing non-compliant specifications and passing them off as compliant. These are thankfully in the minority, but it does happen. Exploiting the buying group’s lack of specialist knowledge is an unfair practise that has the potential of putting the healthcare environment, and people within it, at risk.
What are the risks of installing a non-compliant AHU into a healthcare environment
A core function of an HTM 03-01 compliant AHU is to reduce airborne infection risks in critical areas of the building. Its purpose is to reduce bioburden, via filtration and dilution of the air, and to maintain spaces at appropriate pressure to prevent ingress or egress of dangerous microorganisms. It also brings fresh air into the building, whilst controlling the air temperature, humidity, and odours. It is therefore important that manufacturers either work to the NHS regulations, or are transparent about derogations, to ensure that the safety and well- being of service users is not compromised.
How can consultants and buying groups protect themselves against being mis-sold a non- compliant unit?
Working with a trusted HTM 03-01 specialist is the best way for consultants to ensure they are meeting the required standards. Such a specialist should be able to offer advice and detailed information, so that those making the purchasing decision can learn a bit more about the regulations. Of course it is too involved to become an overnight expert, but understanding the principles will give buyers the confidence to ask the right questions, ensuring they get what they are asking for and the chances of being mis-sold are reduced.
What is Airedale doing to help?
As experts in HTM 03-01, we are often asked to assist with specifications. We have therefore put together two free-of charge resources for consultants, estate managers and buying groups. We have an hour-long CPD available, either in-person or as a webinar, that considers all aspects of HTM 03-01. We find these CPDs are really popular because they provide people the opportunity to ask questions and really dig into the areas they need more information about.
26 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2024
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