Watkins ensure continuity of heating for hospital

In readiness for any failure of its primary boiler system, a major UK hospital has implemented an emergency contingency plan to ensure continuity of heating and hot water to wards, operating theatres and offices. The FM company responsible for the building services on this large site has contracted Watkins Hire to provide a standby system to replace the main boiler in the event of a failure, under the company’s TCEPS (temperature control emergency planning services) scheme.

Following site surveys, Watkins proposed installing a 3 MW MTHW boiler and associated fuel package. After a 4-week trial, the hospital trust agreed to a 52-week minimum hire contract for the plant to remain on site as emergency back-up, with annual review and anticipated roll-ons.

TCEPS provides total assurance for end uses who rely on critical plant to maintain business continuity. It covers the provision of standby plant to generate steam, hot water, heating or dehumidification for vital temperature control.

There are three levels of cover (gold, silver and bronze), according to the criticality of the application and budget. This hospital contract was for the silver level of cover.