Washrooms
here because the location of the waste and trap behind an integrated plumbing system (IPS) panel or duct is far more hygienic. For the ultimate in care home safety, consider installing a basin that can be stripped of its parts for complete disinfection or sterilisation.
Even the choice of glaze in washroom ceramics can have an impact on how effective a bathroom is in battling bacteria and protecting patient or resident safety. Standard glazes may look smooth to the naked eye but are actually surprisingly irregular when viewed under a microscope. It is these irregularities that can allow bacteria to cling to the surface.
C, the ideal temperature for safe bathing, so the less water that is allowed to stagnate the better.
Taps that feature a built-in thermostat positioned close to the point of discharge are also a must. These taps reduce the possibility of a dead leg of water attracting bacteria when the fitting is out of use. Ideally, taps with self draining spouts should be installed as these again work to eliminate the potential of bacteria being harboured within the product. Bacteria thrives in water at temperatures of 20- 55°
Another clever addition to the tap can
be a copper tail as copper has antibacterial properties that can slow down bacterial growth and in some cases even kill the bacteria. Ideally, choose taps that have a high copper content and fewer polymers, which can feed bacteria. One feature to avoid is a bottom outlet waste, as these are particularly prone to harbouring bacteria. This is because bacteria can be released back into the basin or inhaled by the basin user if the spout of the tap allows water to fall directly into the waste.
Health and safety first The best of hospital bathroom design and management provides a lot of food for thought when it comes to effectively operating a care home. Older people are more vulnerable to infection and as all care home managers know, cleanliness and hand washing are of vital importance in reducing the risk of infection spread. What may be less well known is that the sanitary ware being used on a daily basis can have just as big an impact on battling bacteria and HAIs. Take the time to find products that work towards the goals of the care home and that can make a difference to the most important thing of all - resident health.
Tony Rheinberg
Tony Rheinberg is senior sector marketing manager at Ideal Standard and Armitage Shanks. He has worked in the bathroom industry for over 25 years, specialising in commercial washrooms for the past decade. Tony is heavily involved in marketing and product development for the business and has been a driving force in the launch of its latest healthcare collections.
TCHE
January 2018 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
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