Verification

Critical ventilation systems should be verified annually.

A verification will ensure that the system:
a. achieves minimum standards specific to the application;
b. is operating to an acceptable performance level;
c. remains fit for purpose.

Validations

Validation should be carried out during build and completed before handover. A client should not accept a system that has not been validated.

Validation is not commissioning. Its purpose is to look at the installation from air intake to extract discharge and assess its fitness for purpose.

“The system will be acceptable to the client if at the time of validation it is considered fit for purpose and will only require routine maintenance in order to remain so for its projected life.”

Microbiological Air Sampling in Conventional Theatres

Testing is carried out to HTM03-01 guidelines using calibrated SAS Super 180 air samplers.

Samples are incubated at a UKAS approved laboratory before being examined by a microbiologist.

The bacterial and/or fungal particles in one cubic metre of ventilated air in a clean and empty conventional operating theatre should not exceed 10 (CFU/m3).

Commissioning

All commissioning work is carried out in accordance with CIBSE, BSRIA and HTM03-01 guidelines by engineers who have a minimum of 10 years’ experience using only calibrated test equipment.

Pre-installation system checks.
Pre-commissioning.
Air system balancing.
Hydraulic water balancing, LTHW & CHW.
O&M Documentation.
System witnessing.