Maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system is crucial for any building, especially hospitals which require that plumbing systems meet strict regulatory guidelines to prevent the spread of infections and diseases. One way of meeting these requirements, is through the use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs). TMV's are commonly used in hospitals to regulate the temperature of water applications that pose a risk to patient's health if not monitored, maintained, and serviced properly.
Why is monitoring water temperature and flow important?
Monitoring water temperature and flow is critical for a safe and efficient hospital plumbing system. Here are some key reasons why monitoring these factors is so important:
- Prevent Legionella Growth. By monitoring water temperature and flow, hospital staff can ensure that water is flowing regularly and that temperatures are not within the optimal range for Legionella growth.
- Ensuring consistent water temperature. Monitoring water temperature can ensure that it remains consistent and reduce the risk of patient discomfort or injury.
- Detecting leaks. Monitoring water flow can help detect leaks in a hospital's plumbing system, which can lead to water damage and mold growth, posing a health risk to patients and staff.
- Patient safety. Monitoring water flow staff can ensure that the water used for patient care is clean and safe, minimising the risk of infection for weakened immune systems.
- Regulatory compliance. Monitoring water temperature and flow can help ensure compliance with healthcare facilities regulations.
- Equipment maintenance. Water temperature and flow can affect the performance and lifespan of equipment used in healthcare facilities, such as sterilizers and dialysis machines. Monitoring these parameters can help ensure that equipment operates properly and is maintained appropriately.
- Energy efficiency. Monitoring water temperature and flow can also help healthcare facilities conserve energy by identifying areas where hot water is being wasted or not used efficiently.
Manage a hospital plumbing system in line with enHealth guidelines
Hospitals can manage their plumbing systems in line with enHealth guidelines by developing a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP), conducting regular risk assessments, monitoring water temperature and flow, taking corrective action when necessary, implementing appropriate control measures, training staff, communicating with patients and families, and maintaining accurate records. To monitor water temperature efficiently in a hospital, consider implementing a water CliniMix® temperature monitoring system.
The CliniMix® TMV Monitoring system uses IoT technology to collect and analyse data in real-time to identify potential plumbing issues before they become major problems. By doing so, you can save human resources, energy, and reduce operating costs while prioritising patient safety and sustainability. By leveraging technology to collect and analyse data, your facility can operate at its best while sustainably conserving water and energy usage.
