Objectives

The primary objective is to reduce patient safety incidents and ensure operating theatre safety by verifying the cleanliness and performance of ventilation and air-conditioning systems. This is achieved through rigorous airborne particle count testing to maintain compliance with infection prevention and control standards and hospital-specific cleanroom classifications.

Scope of Work

• Testing Locations: Two main operating theatres, minor procedure rooms, recovery rooms, sterile preparation areas, and scrub rooms.
• Pre-Test Inspection: Verify HVAC operational status, inspect and replace HEPA, pre-filters, and secondary filters if damaged, blocked, or beyond manufacturer-recommended service life, and confirm environmental baselines.
• Particle Count Testing: Conduct tests at designated sampling points (surgical field, theatre centre, peripheral zones, supply diffusers, critical work zones) under "at-rest" conditions.
• Environmental Monitoring: Record temperature, relative humidity, differential pressure, air change rates, and airflow direction.
• Reporting & Deliverables: Submit a comprehensive test report, job card, calibration certificates, compliance certificate, summary of findings, and actionable recommendations for corrective measures.
• Contract Duration: Once-off service to be completed within two weeks (one week lead time plus one week on-site) following issuance of the Site Handover Certificate.

Technical Requirements

• Full compliance with ISO 14644-1, SANS 14644, Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, National Building Regulations, and applicable healthcare facility guidelines.
• Use of calibrated airborne particle counters with valid certification (not older than 12 months).
• Equipment must measure particle concentrations at 0.3μm, 0.5μm, 1.0μm, and 5.0μm.
• Acceptance criteria must align with specified ISO cleanroom classifications, with temperature maintained between 18°C–24°C, relative humidity at 40%–60%, and positive pressure relative to adjacent spaces.
• All materials, consumables, and replacement filters must be new, unused, and compliant with SABS/National standards.
• Maintenance of a comprehensive Health and Safety File aligned with construction regulations, including baseline and task-based risk assessments, approved SHE plans, PPE issuing records, and incident management procedures.

Skills and Competency Requirements

• Personnel must possess formal training in cleanroom and particle count testing methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in healthcare HVAC system validation, commissioning, and infection control protocols.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO 14644 standards and hospital environmental monitoring requirements.
• Proof of a mechanical trade test and certified competency in particle counting and airflow testing.
• Adequate on-site supervision by a skilled, competent contractor representative authorized to execute instructions and manage project progress.
• Bidders must hold CIDB Grading ME1 and provide proof of at least two previous similar projects executed in public or private health facilities.

Explanation of Key Technical Terms

• Particle Count Testing: The quantitative measurement of airborne particulate matter in controlled environments to verify air cleanliness against international standards. It is critical for maintaining sterile conditions in operating theatres and preventing surgical site infections.
• HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters that capture 99.97% of particles ≥0.3μm. They must be replaced if they fail integrity/leak tests, show excessive pressure drop, or reach end-of-life.
• At-Rest Condition: A testing state where the facility is fully equipped and operational but unoccupied by staff, representing a baseline for air quality assessment before active surgical procedures commence.
• CIDB Grading ME1: A Construction Industry Development Board classification for mechanical engineering contractors, permitting execution of contracts valued up to R1 million.