PLUMBING SYSTEMS For CS Medical the experience of
working together with Westmade on multiple projects has resulted in a good understanding of both process and product for both parties. Ultimately it is good communication that results in drawings being produced accurately first time, with the approval process being simplified, as the client has been involved from day one. The installation sign-off is the final step, ensuring that the manufacturer re-visits post-installation to review the works. In this case we were able to review the installation and go over care and maintenance in person. By taking the time to understand
A good panel design should ensure that the location of the access panel aids the maintenance team, ensuring that they can service all connection points easily. This includes special situations where water ingress is more likely – for example, showers.
remain in perfect alignment. A further improvement would be
to have an accessible door which is flush with the IPS unit, which creates a smooth, non-porous, and water-resistant panel in line with HBN 00-10 Part C guidance, which is easy to clean, and offers improved maintenance access. A good panel design should ensure that the location of the access panel aids the maintenance team, and ensures that they can service all connection points easily, while all-face mounted elements are easily accommodated at the correct heights. This includes special situations where water ingress is more likely – for example, showers. Ideally, access to the connection will be above the shower head, or possibly on a return end which is not directly in the water stream. This part of the design process is often easier to understand when on site during the early stages of the project.
The manufacturing process One of the key drivers in HBN 00-10 is to have standardisation and pre-assembly of standard components. It is at this stage that the full value of a factory-assembled IPS system can be appreciated. Using an integrated pre-plumbed system with factory-installed sanitaryware has several key benefits over more common panel only systems. These include. 1. Factory manufacturing conditions allow for higher quality output, with production taking place in a more controlled environment, away from other trades. It is far easier to accurately align everything on a flat bench, rather than trying to hang panels on a site-built frame.
2. Offsite manufacture reduces the
number of deliveries to a site, which in turn reduces the negative carbon impact of the works.
3. Health and safety on site is improved, with fewer contractors required to install units, and as the units are built to the correct size, minimal cutting is required on site.
4. Pre-installed taps with fixed copper tails and shut-off valves provide a simple connection on site, and ensure that pipework is streamlined and concealed properly.
5. Installation times are vastly reduced. 6. On-site waste materials and packaging are vastly reduced. Allen Gilbert-Stroud from Westmade
explains that the company always uses the pre-plumbed system, even though it is a slightly more expensive purchase, as the quality of the product and speed of installation are more important. A squint tap or repair on site are what the client will remember, and not the good work leading up to it, and so he relies on the offsite assembly process to ensure that everything is perfect.
The installation process When the supplier is also responsible for the installation of the materials, there is a heightened continuity and responsibility to maintain the highest standards of the pre-plumbed units. However, it is often the case that the works are installed by a third party, which has secured the package of works. To ensure that the installation is managed, it is important that a site survey is undertaken by the manufacturer in conjunction with the installer. This step is often missed, and yet is a vital process to agree all the installation requirements particular to each project.
the project initially, introduce offsite manufacture of key components, and follow up with meetings on site throughout the project, you can ensure that all works are completed to the highest standard, meeting the client’s requirements, and exceeding their expectations.
Reference 1 Health Building Note 00-10: Part C – Sanitary assemblies. Department of Health and Social Care, 2013. https://
www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2021/05/HBN_00-10_Part_C_ Final.pdf
John McKinlay
With over 15 years’ experience in the healthcare sector, John McKinlay, Brand manager at CS Medical, provides design and specification advice to clients including architects, the NHS, and contractors, on a wide range of products. With CS Medical and Cubicle Systems, he can offer advice on designing and selecting IPS pre-plumbed duct panels and sanitaryware, along with complementary furniture solutions suitable for a wide range of healthcare environments. He also provides CPD training, including on ‘Specifying healthcare assemblies and sanitaryware’.
October 2022 Health Estate Journal 89
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