Regulations and guidelines can change over time, and it’s essential to consult the latest information directly from authoritative sources. To access the most up-to-date regulations and guidelines for setting up a mortuary in the UK, including Refrigeration, Manual Handling, LOLER, LEV ventilation systems, COSHH, and NHS HBN20 guidelines, I recommend the following steps:

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

For general health and safety regulations, including manual handling and LOLER, visit the HSE website https://www.hse.gov.uk/ and https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm

Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

The HTA provides guidance on mortuaries and the handling of human tissue https://www.hta.gov.uk/

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Information on COSHH regulations can be found on the HSE website COSHH Information https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/

NHS Health Building Note 20 (HBN 20)

Access the most current version of HBN 20 or related guidelines on the NHS website or relevant government sources. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/hbn-16-01-facilities-for-mortuaries-including-body-stores-and-post-mortem-services/

For NHS HBN 20 or superseding guidelines,  we recommend visiting the official NHS website or conducting an online search for “NHS HBN 20 guidelines” to find the most recent version.

Refrigeration and F Gas regulations

It is important for any end user to only use properly certified and licenced personnel and companies holding all the relevant certificates to supply and work on Refrigeration equipment. It is a legal requirement for all Contractors and companies working on Refrigeration equipment to be a registered member of REFCOM or F Gas https://fgasregister.com/ https://www.refcom.org.uk/

LEV Systems

LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) systems play a crucial role in mortuaries, ensuring a safe and sanitary environment. These systems are essential for removing potentially harmful airborne contaminants such as formaldehyde, biological agents, and odours that are commonly associated with Mortuary environments. By effectively capturing and ventilating these substances at their source, LEV systems help protect mortuary workers from occupational health risks and ensure compliance with stringent health and safety regulations.  https://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/

When WJ Kenyon designs and fits out a mortuary, they prioritise adherence to the latest version of Health Building Note 20 (HBN 20) and any latest editions to this, which provides essential guidance on mortuary design and function. This ensures that the facilities meet the highest standards for patient dignity, infection control, and operational efficiency.

Additionally, WJ Kenyon places a strong emphasis on manual handling safety, adhering to the guidelines established to protect the well-being of their staff and the dignity of the deceased. They integrate measures to reduce the risk of injury and optimise the ergonomics of mortuary equipment.

In compliance with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER), WJ Kenyon pays meticulous attention to the safety and maintenance of equipment used for lifting and handling tasks in the mortuary. This includes regular inspections and certifications to guarantee that equipment meets the necessary safety standards.

Furthermore, Kenyon LEV systems are thoughtfully integrated into their designs to enhance air quality and remove potentially harmful contaminants. These systems comply with Local Exhaust Ventilation regulations and guidelines, ensuring that the mortuary environment remains safe for both workers and the community.

In summary, WJ Kenyon Mortuary Equipment’s commitment to compliance with HBN 20, manual handling, LOLER, and LEV regulations and guidelines reflects their dedication to providing safe, efficient, and state-of-the-art mortuary solutions. Their focus on these standards ensures that their clients can trust in the quality and safety of the facilities they design and equip.