Hospitals & healthcare
www.heatingandventilating.net
Time to think inside the box
The HVAC systems installed in commercial and public sector buildings all have ancillary pipework that needs to be managed and concealed (‘boxed in’) for aesthetic and safety purposes. Richard Braid, managing director of Pendock, explains why pre-formed pipe boxing is a simple solution that provides consistent results and saves time and money on site
systems and air conditioners to run smoothly, efficiently and safely. This pipework – as well as any associated ducting and cabling – is usually working away in the background, being ‘boxed in’ and concealed from view. While HVAC pipework is sometimes left
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exposed – to accentuate an industrial design theme, for example – it is often considered unattractive. And while it might be fashionable to leave copper pipes on display, it’s unlikely the same will ever apply to ventilation ducting, a boiler flue or soil and waste pipes. Furthermore, pipework runs can
become long and complicated (and even more unsightly), especially if HVAC equipment is upgraded and needs to be re- sited to meet building regulations. HVAC systems might also need to be relocated or extended if a commercial or public sector building is reconfigured, if, for example, a new layout is required because of a change in occupancy levels – again potentially leading to lengthy pipe runs. Exposed pipework that’s circulating hot
water can also cause a burn risk, especially in environments used by children and vulnerable adults, such as the elderly and people with reduced mental capacity or mobility. The HSE information sheet on managing the risks from hot water and surfaces in health and social care states that contact with surfaces above 43°C can lead to serious injury. Where an assessment has identified that vulnerable people may come into prolonged contact with hot surfaces, such as exposed pipework, the guidance is for the equipment to be designed or covered so that the maximum accessible surface temperature does not exceed 43°C. Exposed pipework can also be
accidentally – or even deliberately – May 2019
ipework is an essential component to any HVAC system, helping equipment like boilers, ventilation
damaged, which can have major consequences, including huge building repair costs. In addition, it can be difficult to keep exposed pipes clean, with their cylindrical shape creating a dust/dirt trap. It is therefore likely that most owners and managers of commercial and public sector buildings will want HVAC pipework, as well as ducting and cabling, boxed in. This can prove problematic for those involved in either specifying or fitting the HVAC equipment. It’s important to provide an aesthetically pleasing, consistent result that is cost-effective and minimises disruption to building occupants – but depending on the method used, this can be challenging. For example, a boxing in solution can be fabricated on site from wood or MDF.
Pipe boxing in commercial buildings such as Slough Ice Arena (above)
Covering ductwork with pipe boxing
running along walls, skirting boards or ceilings can be easily and neatly concealed. Meanwhile, pre-formed boiler pipe casings can be fitted beneath a boiler, wrapping around the pipework for a neat look. Pre-formed pipe boxing is easy to work
with, and, with minimal cutting involved, there’s no requirement for training or carpentry skills. We estimate it takes half the time to fit compared to on-site fabrication, making it a cost-effective, efficient solution. And, when pipework needs to be accessed for future maintenance or repair work, pre-formed solutions can be easily removed and refitted, or access panels can be installed. In certain environments, other HVAC
However, this involves cutting the material to size, gluing it around the pipework and priming and painting it, which takes time and is therefore costly, delays completion and inconveniences building occupants. The results are not always satisfactory either, especially if the pipework layout is complicated and there are multiple bends to accommodate. In addition, when pipework needs to be inspected or maintained, lengths of wood or MDF fabricated on site can be difficult and time- consuming to remove without causing damage and refurbishment costs. Made-to-measure, pre-formed pipe
boxing is an alternative option that combines practicality, aesthetics, flexibility and function. Our solutions can be fitted at low or high level, vertically or horizontally and in corners, meaning lengths of pipework
Pipe boxing in hospitals
components might need to be covered too. Low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards, for example, are typically installed in care homes, sheltered housing, schools and hospitals, and other buildings open to members of the public, such as leisure facilities. At Slough Ice Arena, we recently fitted 24 LST radiator guards, with radiused ‘bullnose’ corners to provide an extra level of safety should anyone accidentally touch them. As well as reducing the risk of burn injuries, our radiator guards include an anti-bacterial coating that kills MRSA, Salmonella, E- coli and C-difficile. Again, routine inspection and maintenance is allowed for, with our Plus models including a drop-down lockable access panel. Many building owners and managers
will want HVAC pipework covered for aesthetic purposes, as well as to reduce the risk of burns and damage, and to make cleaning easier. Pre-formed pipe boxing provides a practical, cost-effective, time- saving solution. Manufactured in Britain, Pendock’s pipe
boxing is available in standard and bespoke sizes and colours, in pre-formed wood or metal, and radiator guards can be produced in any colour, shape or size.
www.heatingandventilating.net
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