ARGX Compliance provides a wide range of compliance services for Healthcare Estates, Building Owners and Facilities Managers, which are all designed to minimise risk and the potential for reputational damage, by providing, peace of mind, hassle free solutions to complying with your legal requirements.
At ARGX Compliance, we provide independent inspections, audits and reviews for ventilation and water systems as well as the development of Safe Systems of Work for high risk activities. We also carry out Validations and Verifications of Ventilation Systems, Cleanroom Validations to ISO 14644, LEV Testing and Legionella Risk Assessments for Water Systems. For more detail on the wide range of compliance services we provide, have a look at our Service capability.
All of our engineers are highly experienced and hold certification as Authorised Person, Competent Person or Authorising Engineer for Ventilation to (S)HTM 03-01 or to (S)HTM 04-01 for Water Systems.
At ARGX Compliance, our goal is to ensure a quick turnaround of reports where we have undertaken compliance testing, reviews or audits.
ARGX Compliance offers a comprehensive range of services carefully crafted to ensure your business remains compliant. Our primary objective is to understand your specific requirements and deliver tailored solutions that keep you up-to-date with legislation, guidance, and industry standards. Please find our list of services below:
ARGX Compliance personnel are accredited to the latest standards for the Validation and Verification of ventilation systems found in healthcare environments as required by (S)HTM 03-01. We can carry out physical inspections and measurements of your system performance and produce verification reports. We can also provide reviews of Validations and Verifications carried out by others, if required.
Our engineers have a full appreciation of the ventilation strategies encountered within healthcare premises and have carried out hundreds of Operating Theatre and Critical Area Verifications including Ultra Clean Ventilated Canopy (UCV) Theatres.
ARGX Compliance can carry out:
ARGX Compliance provides a ventilation ductwork cleanliness review process that is used to assess the level of cleanliness of the ductwork in an HVAC system. The cleanliness of ductwork is important for maintaining good indoor air quality and preventing the spread of airborne contaminants throughout a building.
The measurement process involves a visual inspection to assess the interior of the ductwork, the use of tools for measuring the level of debris, dust, and other contaminants that may be present in the ductwork.
There are a number of different reasons why a ventilation ductwork cleanliness measurement may be necessary but primary among them is the desire to remain compliant
A Ventilation System Gap Analysis Health Check is a process that is used to assess the performance of ventilation systems to identify any gaps or deficiencies in the design, operation, or maintenance of the system. The health check typically involves a review of the ventilation system in a building, including kitchen and bathroom extraction systems, and other ventilation systems.
The gap analysis check typically includes the following steps:
A Ventilation System Gap Analysis Health Check is a valuable tool for assessing the performance of ventilation systems in buildings and a means of identifying areas for improvement. The process concludes with a comprehensive report complete with an action plan.
Ventilation microbiological sampling involves collecting air and surface samples from various locations within a building's ventilation system to assess the microbial content and determine if the system is contributing to poor indoor air quality or presenting a risk to human health. The following are some of the key aspects involved in an ARGX Compliance ventilation microbiological sampling program:
Ventilation microbiological sampling is an important process for maintaining a healthy and safe indoor environment. By identifying the types and levels of microorganisms present in the air, it can help to guide the development of strategies for improving indoor air quality and minimising health risks associated with exposure to indoor air contaminants.
The Health Technical Memorandum (S)HTM 03-01 Part B, Appendix 1 outlines a 40 point check list that should be carried out as part of an annual verification of an AHU to determine its ‘fitness for purpose’.
The checklist can also be utilised out with the annual inspection regime to ensure the ongoing compliance of the AHU and its associated components. The checklist can also be used as an ongoing support tool for maintenance personnel, where it can help to improve the condition rating of the AHU from the current ratings of ,Poor, Average or Good.
ARGX Compliance will make recommendations on how to improve the condition of AHUs while being mindful of the cost to make improvements, so ALARP will feature in our audit review.
If you would like to know more about our Ventilation System support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Air handling units (AHUs) are a critical component of HVAC systems, responsible for circulating and conditioning air in buildings. Proper maintenance of AHUs is essential to ensure efficient and effective operation of the ventilation system, as well as to maintain indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Listed below are some of the best practices for AHU maintenance where ARGX Compliance can help:
By following these best practices for AHU maintenance and using the checklist found in (S)HTM 03-01 Part B, Appendix 1, Estates Managers can ensure optimal performance of their HVAC system and maintain a healthy indoor environment for occupants, while maintaining compliance.
Existing AHUs can be modified and upgraded to be brought more in line with (S)HTM 03-01 requirements with the introduction of modern components such as, EC type fans to improve energy efficiency, along with remedials to improve the AHUs overall condition, despite some of them being over 20 years old.
A typical refurbishment could take the form outlined below:
If you would like to know more about our Air Handling Unit support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Planned Preventative Maintenance reviews are an important aspect of facility maintenance management that involves evaluating the effectiveness of current planned maintenance programs. Below are some of the activities ARGX Compliance would carry out to check the effectiveness of the maintenance operations.
If you would like to know more about our Maintenance support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
ARGX Compliance can validate your cleanroom to the appropriate standards such as ISO14644 and cGMP. Utilising our certified testing engineers and specialised calibrated instrumentation, we will conduct:
At the conclusion of the process we will provide a comprehensive report detailing our findings.
Cleanroom validation is a critical process that ensures that a cleanroom is functioning effectively and providing the required level of cleanliness for its intended use.
AIf you would like to know more about our Cleanroom Validation service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
At ARGX Compliance, we offer a LEV testing service with our experienced P601 qualified engineers.
LEV testing is a thorough examination and test (TExT) of your LEV (local exhaust ventilation) system, designed to ensure that it is working efficiently. The LEV test includes a visual inspection of the condition of the ductwork, hoods, filters, and airflow test to verify the performance of the LEV system.
Each examination will be carried out in line with HSE regulations, and we will advise you by way of a comprehensive report, of any steps required to maintain compliance should your system not meet the standards required.
LEV testing is a legal requirement to ensure that your employees are protected from hazardous airborne substances such as welding fumes, wood dust, oil mist and many others.
If you would like to know more about our LEV support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
At ARGX Compliance, we can carry out a compliance audit which is effectively an assessment used to evaluate and determine whether your organisation is complying with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and guidelines that govern your operations. An ARGX Compliance audit will focus on identifying areas of non-compliance and making recommendations for corrective actions.
Compliance audits can be conducted in various industries and sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies. The scope of the audit may vary depending on the industry and the specific regulations that apply.
During a compliance audit, we will review your documentation, processes, and systems, and may conduct interviews with employees and stakeholders to assess compliance. At the end of the audit we will produce a report that will outline any areas of non-compliance, including the extent and severity of any issues, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
The purpose of a compliance audit is to identify potential risks and ensure that your organisation is operating within applicable legislation and standards. By addressing areas of non-compliance and implementing corrective actions, organisations can avoid legal and financial penalties and protect their reputation.
Ventilation system compliance audits are important to ensure that the ventilation systems in your facilities are in compliance with the relevant guidelines and regulation. Below are some of the activities involved in a ventilation system compliance audit:
By conducting regular ventilation system compliance audits, building owners and estates managers can ensure that their ventilation systems are operating effectively and efficiently and that they are in compliance with the relevant guidance and legislation. This can help to maintain a safe and healthy environment for facility users.
ARGX Compliance can carry out an independent audit of your kitchen extract system to BESA TR19 to ensure that your systems are compliant with current guidance and your insurers requirements.
Kitchen extract surveys are carried out to assess the condition of the kitchen extract system to determine if it requires cleaning and/or maintenance. We can also carry out an independent post clean audit of your system to determine your cleaning contractors effectiveness.
If regular cleaning is not undertaken, fats, oils and grease (FOG) deposits and particulate can accumulate in the system to produce an environment for bacteria to develop and also result in an increased fire risk. It is therefore of particular importance that grease extract systems are regularly inspected and cleaned to eliminate the fire and bacteria risk
Water system compliance audits are a process of evaluating and assessing the compliance of a building or facility's water systems against relevant regulation and guidelines.
The audit process typically involves a comprehensive review of a building or facility's water systems, including hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, spa pools, and other water systems. The review will include a thorough examination of documentation related to the design, installation, and maintenance of the water system, as well as an inspection of the physical condition of the system.
The audit may also include the collection of water samples from the water systems to test for the presence of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, as well as testing for other water quality parameters, such as pH, temperature, and disinfectant levels.
After completing the audit, a detailed report is typically provided to the building or facility owner/manager, highlighting any areas of non-compliance and making recommendations for corrective actions. The report may also include guidance on ongoing water management and monitoring programs to help ensure compliance.
An ARGX Compliance Asset/Condition Survey is an assessment of the condition and performance of your physical assets. It involves conducting a detailed examination of all equipment, facilities, and infrastructure that you own or operate, in order to identify any issues or deficiencies that may affect their performance or reliability.
The purpose of an Asset/Condition Survey is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current condition of your assets and identify areas that require maintenance or repair. The survey can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of existing maintenance and repair programs and develop plans for future upgrades or replacements of assets.
The survey can include a variety of assessments, such as visual inspections, equipment testing, data analysis, and interviews with employees who operate and maintain the assets. The survey results are typically compiled into a detailed report that outlines the condition and performance of each asset, as well as any recommendations for improvements.
An Asset/Condition Survey can help you:
If you would like to know more about our Asset support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
A Legionella Risk Assessment is a very important process for identifying and assessing the risks associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems. Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a potentially serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.
The risk assessment process involves a thorough review of the water systems in your building or facility, including the identification of potential sources of Legionella contamination.
The assessment may also involve the collection of water samples from the water systems to test for the presence of Legionella bacteria. If Legionella is detected, appropriate measures can be taken to control and prevent its growth, such as flushing and disinfection of the water system or the implementation of ongoing water management and monitoring programs.
Legionella risk assessments are typically conducted by trained professionals. ARGX Compliance are certified for this activity in Hot and Cold Water Systems and within Healthcare premises to (S)HTM 04-01 – so we know what we are doing!
ARGX Compliance can provide an independent Legionella Risk Assessment for your water systems. We work with clients to ensure that they remain compliant with the regulations and guidance and that their water systems remain safe. Post Risk Assessment, any issues will be identified, and a Written Scheme of Control implemented to ensure that any risk is minimised.
The Written Scheme of Control (WSC) for Legionella is a document that outlines the specific measures and protocols that are required to control the risk of Legionella bacteria in a water system. The WSC is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and it must be developed and maintained by a competent person. ARGX Compliance can help you with this legal requirement.
The WSC typically includes the following information:
The WSC is an important document, as it provides a clear plan for managing the risk of Legionella in a water system, and it ensures that all relevant parties are aware of their roles and responsibilities in preventing the spread of Legionella. The WSC should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains effective and relevant.
If you would like to know more about our Risk Assessments, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
An ARGX Compliance Authorising Engineer (AE) is appointed by an organisation to ensure that all aspects of their engineering systems are safe and comply with relevant regulations and standards. Our role as an Authorising Engineer, varies depending on the type of organisation and the engineering systems they manage, but some of the key responsibilities would typically include:
The role of an AE can be helpful in ensuring the safety and compliance of engineering systems within an organisation. In the healthcare sector, the AE is focused on ensuring compliance with HTM (Health Technical Memorandum) guidelines, and other regulations related to the safety and effectiveness of building engineering and other critical systems. Our AE works closely with facility managers and other stakeholders to ensure that their systems and equipment are designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
If you would like to know more about our Authorising Engineer services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
A Safe System of Work (SSoW) is a formalised procedure designed to ensure that work activities (including high risk activities) are carried out in a safe and controlled manner. The purpose of a Safe System of Work is to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with a particular task or activity, by identifying and addressing hazards, defining safe procedures, and providing training and supervision to employees. ARGX Compliance can help you develop SSoW’s as outlined below.
A Safe System of Work typically involves a series of steps, which include:
By implementing Safe Systems of Work, organisations can help to ensure the health and safety of their employees, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and comply with relevant legislation and regulations.
If you would like to know more about our Safe Systems of Work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
At ARGX Compliance, we are currently developing CPD courses for Healthcare engineers and managers in the area of Specialised Ventilation and Water Hygiene Awareness. The first of many courses we have planned are listed below.
If you would like to know more about our training courses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Our services, products and training can be utilised by a range of industry sectors, including: