RVWaterPressureRegulator

From a health and safety perspective, it is underpinned by; the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HSWA) 1974 (section 3 and part 3), Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR – regulation 3) and Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998). Exposure either from the surface or if the aesthetics of cold water has been changed (heat it up) is covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations 2002.

Hot water temperatures greater than 44˚C are considered high risk with full body immersion, although showering (not full body immersion) should also be considered. These temperatures have been associated with serious scalds and have led to fatalities, although it is stressed that a child or the elderly need far less exposure to hot temperatures.

Drinking water is considered the most vital element next to air/oxygen. Since there is no alternative to this finite resource, protecting and securing the standard and quality of drinking water is a top priority. Free of toxic additives, Grivory® is particularly suitable for critical applications.

Watervalve

The programme should also ensure failure devices are tested, and seepage results noted. In the case of healthcare valves, those managing the system should ensure future lifecycle planning is also considered and that regular, no greater than 2 yearly, contact with the manufacturers is made to allow the certification needs and planning to consider if a valve is to be discontinued which could impact future spares.Further reading> TMV Maintenance - Lessons Learnt!

Regulating valve

The DoH issued publication HTM 04-01 Supplement – Performance specification D 08 thermostatic mixing valves (healthcare premises) indicates that blended water temperatures should be between 38˚C and 46˚C at the point of discharge; the actual temperature depends on whether the outlet is a bidet, a shower, a wash hand basin or a bath.

PRV valve

In summary, TMVs should be utilised following the results of a suitable and sufficient scalding risk assessment. The assessment should identify the valve to be installed its type and its design. This will not only confirm the valve’s need but prevent valves from being fitted in tandem resulting in possible valve failure, the introduction of crossflow contamination, microbiological contamination, or the risk of outlet users being exposed to valve failure or poor temperature records.

Type 3 TMV - Single sequential control: valves with a single control operating through a predetermined sequence of flow and temperature. These shall have a shut-off device; (actuator movement in one plane);

The Standards and guidance links noted in this blog all highlight the need to ensure that a risk assessment should be undertaken to identify the scald risk. As noted, the purpose of the device is to protect the most vulnerable:

Pressure regulating valve

Quantity & Stock Please contact info@proportionair.com or call 877-406-3215 for lead time information on quantities that exceed current stock levels.

The Water Hygiene Centre was established in 2009 to address the lack of independent water hygiene consultancy within the industry. From our humble beginnings, we have established ourselves as a market leader, helping clients identify and minimise the risk of waterborne contamination and disease, whilst improving compliance performance.

The use of lead-free materials is growing in importance – in particular as an alternative material for drinking water applications, where health standards are high. As an alternative material to conventional brass or lead-free brass, EcoReg offers a pre-set fluid regulator made of the synthetic material Grivory®.

The risk assessment is a key requirement. It should not only identify the risks, but also identify the best type of valve, process, or warning (sign) to be used. As noted, there are six TMV types, these can be fitted with automated or manual shutoff valves and certificated to TMV2 or TMV3 by NSF dependent on the area of use.

Pressureregulator

The Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA) offered a Recommended code of practice for safe water temperatures. The D08 needs have been further supported by the testing industry developing certification to denote the valve had automatic shutoff to meet with healthcare design temperatures. This scheme is known as the TMV3 scheme currently run by NSF. The EM needs highlighted, were raised by The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Best practice needs for domestic use saw similar support with the introduction of the TMV2 Scheme.

The Department of Health (DoH) approached the manufacturers and industry for assistance in preventing or mitigating scald risk, especially in areas with vulnerable patients.

The EcoReg is made of the certified material Grivory® GV-5 FWA, which is ideal for application areas such as drinking water, food industry, medical industry, etc. It conforms to the DIN 50930-6 / FDA/EU drinking water directives and NSF/ANSI 169.

Once fitted the valve must be managed and maintained following the legislative needs for workplace equipment as the TMV is being utilised as a Protective Device (PPE). The standards managing these needs note the following:

EcoReg Part Numbers PER239: EcoReg KS12: 1/4″ NPT Last 2-3 numbers: Pressure range PER239KS12100, PER239KS12120, PER239KS1215, PER239KS1230, PER239KS1245, PER239KS1260, PER239KS1275, PER239KS1290

Waterpressureregulator

These standards state:“When these devices are used to provide anti-scald protection for children, elderly, and disabled persons the mixed water temperature needs to be set at a suitable bathing temperature (body temperature approximately 38 °C) as children are at risk to scalding at lower temperatures than adults”.

When considering these listed areas of legislation, you should consider utilising the HSE Codes of Practice. These Approved codes are often utilised to record changes i.e., COSHH regulations 2002, ACoP L5 rev 2013. They also explain the regulation needs.

Pressure Reducing Valve

EcoReg is a PRESET inline miniature safety regulator for water and other fluids. The EcoReg® conforms to the DIN 50930-6/FDA/EU Drinking water directives and other regulations. Available for oxygen service, upon request. This mini water regulator is made of the certified material Grivory GV-5 FWA, which is ideal for drinking water applications, as well as applications in the food and medical industries.

Note: Google Images: are for illustration purpose only - the WHC is not endorsing these as TMV types as preferred models

Customers Outside USA If you are outside the United States, please contact us via email to determine shipping availability.

In this blog we will discuss; what are TMVs, why they are required, when they should be indicated for use and the risks associated with their use or non-use.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) is the UK's National Standards Body (NSB). They offer support to the UK government, businesses and industry via approved guidance known as British Standards (BS). Following the issue of the explanatory memorandum (EM) to Building regulations in 2009 over scald protection in areas of full body immersion (Baths), they issued a revised Standard. BS EN 1111:2017 Sanitary tapware. Thermostatic mixing valves (PN 10). General technical specification.

The maintenance programme should be designed to ensure the valves are adequately cleaned and free from particulate matter that could inhibit the correct function of the valve and/or provide a medium for bacteria to propagate, including biofilm.

The building owners/landlord should discuss with designers and managers of water systems where to install any TMVs. The decision process should be supported by the completion of a scald risk assessment. Those managing health services have been offered additional support within Health Service Information Sheet (HSIS)No 6, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which clearly explains the risks within health and social care premises associated with hot water (bathing and showering) and hot surfaces (radiators/pipes).

Although the risk of scalding may be mitigated within this temperature range, there is a microbiological risk associated with the use of TMVs because waterborne bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella propagate at temperatures between 20-45˚C. In non-healthcare utilising a TMV in a food preparation area can accelerate biological growth during hand washing when working with poultry, fish and raw meats. It’s therefore important that we consider ALL risks, including those which can be introduced by their use and service management.