Healthcare
Hotting up healthcare LST radiators take hospitals by storm
Low surface temperature radiators in situ pictured here and on opposite page
Mike Wright demystifies the standards governing heating system specification in healthcare applications – and takes a look at the latest low surface temperature radiator technology taking the sector by storm
WITH THEIR ability to deliver safe, effective and compliant heat- ing for vulnerable people, it’s no surprise that low surface tempera- ture (LST) radiators are in high demand for healthcare settings. But, in a sector where stringent safety criteria are at play, just what are the official regulations and wider considerations that speci- fiers need to know about – and how can they ensure they’re choosing the right LST products to do the job?
Setting the standard
First things first, it’s crucial that specifiers are fully familiar with NHS Safe Surface Temperature guidelines. These apply to all NHS buildings, and state that the sur- face temperature of radiators should not exceed 43°C. To put this into context, it is standard practice in most other types of application for a hot water system to have an incoming flow temper- ature of 80°C and a return of 70°C – resulting in radiator surface tem- peratures as high as 80°C. Skin
making contact with a surface this hot can incur second-degree burns in less than one second, or third- degree burns within 10 seconds. In contrast, skin exposed to a 43°C surface would typically take more than two-and-a-half hours to burn. Put simply, the NHS guidelines are in place to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from avoid- able injuries like this.
Playing it safe
LST radiator technology has been developed specifically to comply with these NHS guidelines by using a special protective casing that fits over the radiator. In terms of the casing itself, there are a number of safety features that specifiers should look out for. For instance, grilles should be wide enough for air to circulate, but not so wide that foreign objects can fall through, or small fingers can access the radiator beneath. It is also important that LSTs are designed for easy, regular clean- ing as a routine procedure – espe- cially in hospitals, where infection
20 | May 2016 | Healthcare supplement to HVR
control teams often stipulate this as a requirement. In some applica- tions, such as secure facilities, LSTs may even need to meet anti- ligature standards (if in doubt, ask your manufacturer if your chosen model complies).
Operationally speaking, it’s vital that end users can easily control the temperature of each LST unit without opening the cover and exposing the emitter underneath. With this in mind, specifiers should always opt for a system with an external TRV (thermostatic radiator valve). These can be connected directly to the emitter via a made-to- measure cut-out in the casing. For added tamper-proof security, the LST can also be fitted with a remote sensor head outside the casing, which is then connected by capillary to the valve inside. Some models also feature a lock- able casing that incorporates a hinge mechanism – delivering proper protection for end users but also making for straightfor- ward access when it comes to
maintenance, repairs or cleaning. Last but not least, from a wider system perspective, remember that any surface-mounted, exposed pipework (horizontal or vertical) within two metres of the floor needs to be properly insulated if it is carrying water above 43°C in temperature.
Maximising the benefits Once specifiers are up to speed with the relevant NHS regulations and other safety considerations, the next step is to get to grips with the different LST products avail- able. Yes, shrewd specification is about finding an LST that will deliver the best ongoing perform- ance and efficiency, but it’s also about maximising the logistical benefits for healthcare buildings – and those who really know the market will be able to do both. When we talk about LST sys- tems, we mean two things: the LST casing and the emitter itself. While LST casings can be retrofitted to existing emitters, where possible specifiers should opt for a
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