Ventilation systems in care homes mechanical extract ventilation (MEV), heat recovery systems (MVHR), kitchen extract canopies and toilet extract fans require regular cleaning and servicing to maintain air quality and prevent fire risk from grease build-up. Most care home planned maintenance schedules underspecify ventilation work.
Why this matters
Blocked or unserviced ventilation contributes to poor indoor air quality, increased infection risk, and for kitchen extract systems serious fire risk from accumulated grease deposits. NHS HTM 03-01 provides the benchmark for ventilation in health and social care settings.
What to do
- 1Audit your ventilation systems identify all mechanical extract units, supply air units, MVHR systems, kitchen extract canopies and associated ductwork.
- 2Kitchen extract systems should be cleaned at least annually (quarterly if high-use), with a TR/19 (BESA guide to good practice for internal cleanliness of ventilation systems) report produced after each clean.
- 3Toilet and bathroom extract fans should be cleaned and serviced annually check airflow rates against design specification.
- 4MVHR systems require filter replacement (typically 6-monthly), annual duct inspection and heat exchanger cleaning.
- 5Retain service records for all ventilation systems, noting airflow measurements, filter changes, cleaning carried out and any remedial works.
Primary source
NHS HTM 03-01: Specialised ventilation for healthcare premises
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