FEATURE SAFETY FIRST
It is essential to select the right heat emitters for care environments to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. Richard Lister, National Sales Manager at Clyde Radiators, looks at the key considerations and explains the benefits of low surface temperature (LST) products.
Efficient and effective heating of all spaces in a care environment is important for the health and wellbeing of those being cared for, as well as the comfort of staff. However, this must be balanced with safety, with the risk of burns from surface mounted emitters, such as radiators, a particular concern if they reach higher temperatures. In fact, both Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and NHS Estates guidance state that surface temperatures should not exceed 43C in healthcare settings, to reduce the risk of injury. For care facilities, the primary concern is the risk of burns if a resident falls against the emitter and is not able to move away or needs to hold on to it to steady themselves and prevent a fall.
The surface of standard panel radiators can reach temperatures around 70C, making them unsuitable for these environments. The 43C maximum can be achieved with standard radiators by installing low surface temperature covers to prevent contact with the hot surface. However, this also stops the radiator functioning as designed and reduces the heat emitted by as much as 60%. This will of course significantly impact the efficiency of the system and increase the energy required to achieve the target room temperature.
An alternative to this is low surface temperature (LST) emitters, which are specifically designed not to exceed the 43C surface temperature. These operate using the same water-based (hydronic) heating system as conventional radiators but use a convector to quickly and efficiently heat the space. As it does not rely on radiant heat, the convector can be safely housed within a casing without a loss of efficiency. LST emitters are available in a wide range of sizes to suit spaces of any dimensions.
In addition to the surface temperature, there are other factors around the design of the LST that should be considered. Selecting a product with rounded edges and corners can further help to prevent injuries in the event of a fall or accidental collision. Some LST emitters also feature pencil-proof grilles
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that allow optimum airflow whilst preventing residents from accidentally coming into direct contact with the convector.
LST emitters also have benefits for the control of the heating. With a lower water content compared with a steel panel radiator, the LST can heat up quicker and be more responsive. As with all radiators, it is advisable to install thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) to automatically control the output of each emitter based on the temperature of the room. This will effectively prevent overheating, which can be a serious hazard for medically vulnerable people.
Furthermore, there are similar, floor-integrated trench-heating solutions available, which are ideal for rooms where wall space is limited. With this type of system, the convector is installed in a trench at floor level to provide discreet heating. As occupants cannot come into direct contact with the units, floor-based heat emitters offer a safe form of heating for care facilities that can help solve specific challenges.
For care environments, safety is always a top priority. When it comes to the choice of heating emitters, LSTs can offer a safe solution that meets the NHS and HSE guidelines without the compromises that come with other approaches.
www.clyderadiators.co.uk
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