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L8 – consider the ventilation aspects

The HSE’s ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) L8 and supporting HSG274 Parts 1-3 Guidance set the minimum standards by which everyone should work to manage the risks from waterborne microbiological pathogens. The NHS also has further supporting guidance on the subject in the form of HTM core standards 00, 04-01 (three parts), and HTM 03-01 (two parts). However, argues Andrew Poplett IEng, MIHEEM, ACIBSE, an experienced engineer with over 28 years’ healthcare building services engineering experience – 18 in the NHS – ‘even with all of this available guidance, some elements of healthcare building services engineering are all too often overlooked’. Here, ‘to stimulate discussion and raise awareness of the issues’, he sets out some of the key points to consider.

The fourth edition of the HSE L8 Legislation/ACoP has now been out since March 2013, and with the publication of the supporting HSG 274 guidance notes, there has been a fundamental shift in the emphasis and importance of ‘competence’, and appropriately accurate and ‘current’ written risk assessments. 

The term ‘water risk assessments’ is frequently used when describing the obligations under L8, and the ACoP itself and associated guidance make several references to the risks of Legionella associated with water systems. However, it must be remembered that air carries a high level of moisture, and, if the air is cooled or comes into contact with colder surfaces, then this water will condense out of the air, and can form an environment within which Legionella can colonise and grow. 

The HTM 03-01: Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises, does make specific reference to the Legionella risks and the need to assess those risks; however this guidance is not clearly stated in either HTM 04-01 or L8/HSG 274. The requirement for glass traps and stainless steel drip trays in air-handling plant is a long-established healthcare standard; however the reason for these elements is not reinforced within the current guidance, and should not be forgotten. Additional issues can include ‘washable’ filter media, humidification, heat recovery coils, local DX coiling or air-conditioning units, and air intake plenums.

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Upcoming Events

The Fire Safety Event 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
30th April - 2 May 2024

Wales regional conference, exhibition and awards dinner 2024

International Conference Centre (ICC) Newport
28th - 29th May 2024

NAHFO National Conference 2024

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Upon Tyne
3rd - 5th June 2024

Design in Mental Health 2024

Manchester Central
4th - 5th June 2024

InstallerSHOW 2024

National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham
25th - 27th June

Healthcare Estates 2024

Manchester Central
8th-9th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Health Estate Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Health Estate Journal app from your device's App store

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