Validation

The guidance concerning specialised ventilation in healthcare premises has, for the last 12 years, been HTM2025. This document has been extensively updated as HTM03-01, with many sections being completely rewritten.

As a consequence there is now a requirement for an annual validation to ensure that critical systems meet the minimum standards specific to the application, are operating to acceptable performance levels and remain fit for purpose.

Ventilation systems serving the following would be considered critical and subject to the annual validation:-

Operating Theatre
Patient Isolation Facility
Critical Care, Intensive Treatment or High Dependency Unit
Premature Baby Unit
Category 3 or 4 Room
Pharmacy Aseptic Suite
Sterile Supply Unit Packing Room
MRI, CAT and other types of emerging imaging technologies that require particularly stable environmental conditions to remain in calibration
Any system classified as a “Local Exhaust Ventilation” (LEV) system under COSHH Regulations

During the past 20 years we have provided independent commissioning of air conditioning and ventilation systems for end users and contractors. In recent years we have become increasingly involved in testing, validating and trouble shooting of air systems within the Healthcare sector and Pharmaceutical industry.

As a response to the new publication Liveside Technical Services have set up a new division, LTS Validation Services, to meet the requirements of HTM03-01.

We can now offer a comprehensive validation service to ensure that Operating Theatre Suites and other critical systems comply with the HTM guidance. Our service includes verifying that;

the AHU conforms to the minimum standard
the fire containment has not been breached
the general condition of the system is adequate
The system performance is adequate with respect to the functional requirement. Including, where necessary

i.a full measure of the supply and extract air flow rates
ii.the calculation of room air change rates
iii.the measurement of room differential pressure and direction of air movement
iv.the measurement of room noise levels
v.air quality checks
vi.a check on the control function

Then an assessment will be made as to whether the system overall is fit for purpose and operating in a satisfactory manner. Record documentation will be issued in accordance with the guidelines.

Finally we will also offer recommendations to improve the performance and efficiency of the system.