Technical Boiler House Risk Assessments in focus

In the complex and demanding environment of healthcare facilities, particularly within the NHS, the reliable and safe operation of steam boilers is paramount. Indeed, ensuring the safety and efficiency of boiler houses is not just a legal requirement, but a vital aspect of maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services.

Steam is an indispensable utility in healthcare environments, and is used extensively for the sterilisation of medical instruments and equipment, heating and air-conditioning systems, laundry services for bedding and medical attire, food preparation and catering services, and humidification in certain medical areas. Given the nature of these applications, any disruption to steam supply can pose severe disruption to patient care and overall hospital operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining a safe, efficient, and reliable boiler house.

The operation of steam boilers in healthcare facilities is governed by a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require all employers, including NHS Trusts, to conduct 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessments of their work activities. This legislation is complemented by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR), which specifically address the safety of pressure systems, including steam boilers. To aid in compliance, the Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) and the Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) have produced the BG01 Guidance Document, Safe Operation of Steam Boiler Plant, which offers comprehensive advice on the safe operation of boiler plant.