![]() ![]() A number of research studies have been carried out which indicate that measured levels of microorganisms in air are greatly reduced by air filters. ![]() There is substantial evidence from laboratory studies and real-world settings that filtration is an effective technology for reducing airborne pathogens within room air and HVAC systems. This standard will assist trusts in selecting and implementing good quality, reliable equipment. Healthcare trusts are under pressure to improve ventilation and in the meantime are considering options including filter-based air cleaning. The correct installation and operation of a HEPA filter air cleaner can reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Local HEPA filter air cleaners are one option for improving and supplementing ventilation. Weather conditions, external noise and air pollution and restricted window openings for safety affect the ability to open windows and means that ventilation in some settings can fall below recommended rates. In the case of naturally ventilated spaces, there is a reliance on staff or patients opening windows. In cases, where current ventilation does not meet HTM-03-01 standards, this may be due to age, condition of air handling plant, lack of maintenance or other design or operational issues. The focus on ventilation has also highlighted areas of high risk due to poorly performing and inadequate ventilation, particularly in older hospitals and other healthcare settings such as primary care and dental suites, which increase risks of nosocomial infections. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that greater attention must be paid to the improvement and maintenance of ventilation in healthcare settings. ![]() Health Technical Memorandum 03-01 Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises (HTM-03-01) is a robust standard for ventilation of higher risk clinical spaces based on high air change rates using outdoor air to continually flush indoor spaces. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 as a highly contagious virus has demanded new and innovative solutions to safeguard patients, staff and visitors. Ventilation is an important feature in the control of airborne infection. The local redistribution of air may also be construed as ventilation. This may be achieved by mechanical systems using ducts and fans, or natural ventilation most commonly provided through opening windows. * Ventilation is the process by which ‘fresh’ air (normally outdoor air) is intentionally provided to a space and stale air is removed. Devices relying on ultraviolet light (UVC) are the subject of a separate guidance document: Application of ultraviolet (UVC) devices for air cleaning in occupied healthcare spaces. This edition is primarily aimed at portable and semi fixed (wall-mounted) devices. This guidance has been written as an interim specification to set the basic standard required for HEPA filter devices to be utilised in healthcare and patient-related settings. The installation of a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air cleaner can reduce the risk of airborne transmission. Local HEPA filter-based air cleaners (also know as air scrubbers) are one option for improving and supplementing ventilation. It is therefore important to bring these facilities up to the minimum specification of current standards, particularly recognising the challenges of COVID-19 and other infections. This may be due to change of room use, age, condition of air handling plant, lack of maintenance, challenges with effective use of natural ventilation or other. The current focus on ventilation has highlighted areas of high risk due to poorly performing and inadequate ventilation in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Its design and operation are described in Health Technical Memorandum (HTM-03-01). Ventilation* is an important line of defence for infection control in the healthcare environment. ![]()
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