Ensuring infection control and water safety

Rada Controls explains how technology can help hospitals provide safe, trusted and hygienic water delivery that complies with Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 04-01. 

Preventing the spread of infection and bacteria is crucial in any environment, but nowhere more than in hospitals and healthcare estates where patients, staff and visitors must be protected through the specification and implementation of taps and water outlets with infection control at the forefront.  

With UK hospitals placing high levels of demand on taps and water delivery systems, healthcare trusts and hospital managers should specify the latest technological advancements to ensure safe, hygienic systems that help reduce the spread of infection. However, despite these advancements, many healthcare estates haven’t taken advantage of their many health and safety benefits. It is therefore down to manufacturers, such as Rada Controls, to raise awareness of the key role water delivery innovations can play in the fight against waterborne infections.   

Safer and more hygienic handwashing 

Technology is advancing all the time, with manufacturers creating improved service and product solutions to reduce microbial growth in water systems. Rada Controls’ thermostatic mixing technology, for example, is used in its Rada Sense T3 digital mixing valves and Thermotap mixing taps to create more hygienic and safer healthcare spaces and set high standards in water delivery.  

Featuring non-touch water flow and temperature control, as well as programmable anti-microbial functionality such as automated duty flushing and reporting, Rada Controls’ digital taps minimise the risk of cross infection. Additionally, the reduction of internal surfaces ensures water doesn’t collect, reducing the opportunity for bacterial growth. Smooth exterior surfaces are also designed without joins to make cleaning more effective, quicker and easier.  

Time and water management 

Strict legislations and guidance documents have been introduced to control the risk of legionella in hospitals. The associated stringent measures require healthcare staff to undertake regular ‘duty flushing’. This process involves the manual flushing of every tap to prevent legionella and bacterial growth in water systems. With each hospital likely to house huge quantities of taps, this flushing can take many hours, taking staff away from patients and substantially reducing the quality of care.  

The implementation of digital control means hygiene measures only happen when necessary; not only cutting expenditure but conserving precious water and energy resources. Increasing the accuracy and efficiency of water delivery in this way also helps to reduce the risk of human error and improve infection control regimes.  

Embracing hand hygiene processes 

Good hand hygiene is as important as making the most of the latest advancements in technology. In addition to using Personal Protective Equipment and practicing strict infection control measures, hospital and healthcare estate staff should implement effective hand hygiene protocols. This is where Rada Controls’ T1 140 Timed Flow Bib Tap comes into its own. Featuring timed flow and precise water temperature control, this tap minimises the risk of infection, enhances user safety and promotes more effective handwashing.  

Full regulatory compliance 

With the HTM 04-01 promoting good practice for those responsible for the design, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of water services in healthcare premises, product manufacturers have a vital role to play to ensure compliance. The design of safe and hygienic water delivery systems is just the start.  

As a safer alternative to wet testing, oil-free compressed air testing requires no water during the thermal testing process; reducing the risk of water or moisture being introduced into the tap during assembly and lessening the risk of bacterial proliferation between leaving the factory and installation in the healthcare estate. For those in charge of healthcare estates and hospitals, the provision of safe, hygienic and clean water is a critical aspect of infection control and keeping patients, visitors and staff safe.  

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