WASHROOM SPECIFICATION
HTM 04-01 Part C Finally, Part C relates to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and advice for augmented care units, with specific guidelines to ensure the safety of water systems and reduce the risk of infection in such facilities. This includes stipulations that: n All taps that are used infrequently on augmented care units should be flushed regularly (at least daily in the morning for one minute). A record should be kept of when they were flushed.
n Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) and associated components should be serviced, to include descaling and decontamination, at recommended intervals.
n A TMV that is integral to the body of the tap/shower should be considered, as it will always draw cold water through every time the outlet is used, thus helping to minimise the risk of stagnation.
n Clinical handwash basins are at particularly high risk of contamination. It is therefore important to ensure that the cleaning of these basins and the taps is undertaken in a way that does not allow cross-contamination from a bacterial source to the tap.
n During cleaning of basins and taps, there is a risk of contaminating tap outlets with microorganisms if the same cloth is used to clean the bowl of the basin or surrounding area before the tap.
n Wastewater drain outlets are particularly risky parts of the basin/ system, and are almost always contaminated. Bacteria may be of patient origin, so it is possible that bacteria – including antibiotic-
A surgical scrub from Twyford, ‘combining practicality with hygiene’.
resistant organisms – could seed the outlet, become resident in any biofilm, and have the potential to be transmitted to other patients.
n Clinical handwash basins should be used solely for handwashing.
Meeting complex requirements It is clear just from this brief overview of guidelines and regulations that achieving compliance in bathroom and washroom design in healthcare facilities can be complex. More than that, the guidance documents referenced above demonstrate that compliance goes beyond initial product specification, which is crucial for Estates managers. Clearly, those involved in a new-build or refurbishment project must consider all aspects. This includes specification choices such as ceramics, WC design, flushing mechanisms, and tap valves. It also includes ongoing maintenance and operational management, to reduce the risk of infection.
Geberit washbasins like Selnova Comfort help meet the requirements of hospital specification, in line with HBN 00-10 Part C.
62 Health Estate Journal June 2021
Ultimately, if we are to achieve accessible bathroom design and water safety in healthcare facilities, it is important that all parties take their own responsibility throughout the lifecycle of the facility. While manufacturers and building designers can work together to ensure that the correct products are specified, there is still a reliance on the contractor to install correctly, and on Estates managers to maintain effective maintenance, operation, and cleaning regimes. In many cases, forward-thinking manufacturers can provide the common link throughout the supply chain to ensure project success, combining product expertise with regulatory understanding to drive collaboration and greater visibility.
Pete Davis
Pete Davis has worked for Geberit and Twyford for six years, and has a further nine years’ experience in product management. He played a key role in the development, and led the implementation of, a new brand strategy for Geberit in 2018, resulting in the successful introduction of Geberit ceramics into the UK market, and helped build the accompanying sales and marketing plans. He was appointed Product and Marketing director in January 2021.
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