Time critical delivery of biowaste decontamination systems completed at UK COVID-19 vaccine production facility
The Project
In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, the UK government placed a contract for more than one billion Euro to secure up to 190 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine being developed by a global vaccine manufacturer in the United Kingdom.
To complete this work the company would need to construct new vaccine production areas, each of which required a dedicated decontamination system for BSL3 biowaste.
Normally BSL3 biowaste decontamination systems need to be housed within secure containment rooms or basements. However, due to the fast-track nature of this project, there was no time for a specially built containment area to be incorporated into the facility.
The Solution
Suncombe, a global supplier of BSL3 biowaste management plant, was approached to offer a solution and help to bring the facility on stream very quickly.
Suncombe BioWaste Decontamination Systems (EDS) decontaminate liquid hazardous infectious waste streams and liquid streams. Our world class systems are utilized by multiple global leading institutions. Using robust, proven design principles, our systems deal with BSL Bio Safety Level 1 to 4 waste.
Suncombe proposed that the BSL3 biowaste decontamination systems could each be mounted in purpose-built containerised modules, with full containment barriers built within the containers
This solution allowed Suncombe to build and test the biowaste EDS inside containerised modules, including the process equipment. These modules also incorporate containment barriers, a washing facility, lobby, safe change HEPA air filtration, door locks and other features, all of which are essential requirements for a BSL3 biowaste treatment system.
The Timescale
The construction of these systems needed to be started prior to the completion of detailed design, in order to achieve the very fast timescale. The initial design methodology was agreed between Suncombe engineers and the client, enabling their construction to be started, while allowing the process development to continue.
This time critical project, was carried out with the backdrop of COVID-19 measures, which affected the ability to secure materials and also impacted on working patterns, which included working within government guidelines, such as social distancing and increased hygiene, to ensure the safety of the company’s workforce.
Two containerised systems have recently been delivered following extensive testing to ensure a ‘plug ‘n’ play’ start up when arriving on site.
The Software
An advanced BioSuite#3000 software package was added. This was developed by Suncombe engineers and is suitable for full validation, incorporating 21CFR part 11 electronic records and signature compliance, user levels and an audit trail, to control all of the equipment.
Comment
“Suncombe was able to improve on the promised timescales and deliver ahead of schedule,” explained Operations Director, Steve Overton. “We are delighted to have been able to get involved in this exciting new vaccine production facility and to employ our 60 years of company experience, our extensive knowledge and ‘will do’ attitude to help in the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
