‘Compliant design leads to correct delivery’ – What is a HTM 03-01 Validation? 

A validation proves a ventilation system is ‘entirely fit for purpose and achieves the operating performance originally specified’. Unlike commissioning the purpose of a validation is to look at the complete installation, from air intake to extract discharge and assess its ‘fitness for purpose as a whole’.

When is a validation required? 

HTM 03-01 Part A states, a validation must take place when installing a new AHU system or when refurbishing an existing system.  

The validation process itself consists of multiple stages of inspection from consulting on the system’s design brief to the acceptance testing post installation. 

According to HTM 03-01 Part A 12.3, validators must also ‘be completely independent of the system designers, contractors, suppliers, installers, commissioners and those who will subsequently operate the system’. To ensure this independence the Trust or healthcare provider should employ the validator directly.  

The sooner AirisQ are engaged & can begin the validation process, the better. Our knowledge, expertise & experience allow us to identify issues early on and ensure corrections occur before the project continues.  

For additional information, download our fully comprehensive ‘What is a Validation?’ guide below. 

It is vitally important to complete a validation process before the healthcare provider accepts a new system. Due to the nature of the ventilation installation and the intensity of use a system will undergo in a healthcare setting, it will NOT BE POSSIBLE TO CORRECT FAULTS AFTER THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACCEPTED and taken into use. There are medico-legal issues around putting a non-compliant system into use. Pre-announced handover or occupancy dates are not a reason for a healthcare provider to accept a non-compliant installation.