care sector


solutions that provide uncompromising hygiene levels within the safety and comfort of an individual’s own bed. A care provider has to be sure


the service they offer will not be let down by sub-standard equipment, whether that is the durability and long-term reliability of the product, or assurances the product meets stringent quality standards and legal requirements. It is easy to overlook the legal


obligations of water regulations, which place duties on designers, installers and operators. To comply with these, products


must be of an ‘appropriate quality and standard’ and ‘suitable for the circumstances’ in which they are used. Adequate backflow protection is


required to prevent contamination of the water supply system. In the case of bathing equipment in


the healthcare environment, fluid category 5 protection will be required. This is the highest level of protection.


The right assurances Also materials in taps, hoses etc must not cause contamination or promote microbial growth. Without meeting these


requirements you could risk contaminating the water supply system or a Legionella outbreak, either of which could lead to serious illness and even death. To protect yourself, staff and


service users; request evidence that products are compliant. Products should have been tested


against all appropriate standards and materials certified against BS 6920. Better still, require products to have


appropriate certification, such as WRAS Approval, which is one way to provide that assurance. But you will need to check


installation requirements to ensure they are suitable for you, for instance whether they incorporate the required backflow protection. It’s worth noting that, without


these assurances, a care provider may not be meeting its legal obligations under water regulations and the CQC’s requirements.


A care provider has to be sure the service they offer will not be let down by sub- standard equipment.


And failure to comply with water


regulations could result in enforcement action or prosecution. Manufacturer’s guarantees and


warranties are important considerations. An assisted bathing product in a


care setting should be commercial grade, not domestic. The product should be able to withstand repeated daily use without materials and components becoming compromised. In this case, specifically confirm


whether the metal components are stainless or powder coated. That’s the difference between rusting and delamination of painted parts, which ruin the finish of the product and compromised safety and cleaning protocols components.


Asking questions Many assisted bath-tubs are manufactured in the same way as a low-cost domestic tub would be – a plastic moulded tub that is simply re-enforced with a minimum amount of fiberglass. This concept is lower cost and is


unlikely to provide the same structural integrity and service life of a traditional handmade solid fiberglass and gel-coat construction. Traditional handmade tubs are less


likely to fade or discolour and can be refurbished and repaired if damaged. This aspect should be a major


consideration in the specification requirement because it negates high replacement costs in the event of accidental damage and vastly extends the products’ lifetime costs and profitability, especially for providers with a high number of appliance assets. No one wants an out-of-order


bathroom in a care home, so it is vital to ensure they are fit for purpose and designed and manufactured for industrial use. From the core body of the


product, to hidden components – quality is paramount. Ask yourself, will the product last? Will


it satisfy moving and handling needs? Is it safe and hygienic? Does it meet water regulations? And will it meet with the varied mobility and dependency needs of those in your care?


www.revalcc.co.uk


16 healthcaredm.co.uk


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