BIOSAFE: HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL
Pseudomonas aeruginosa mostly contaminates mixers and taps at the point-of-use, i.e. inside the spout and its outlet. As a result, this part of the mixer/tap should be the subject of special attention in order to limit bacterial development. To this end, DELABIE has designed specialist controls that facilitate preventative action and, if necessary, curative action if contamination occurs.
BIOCLIP removable mixers and taps for cleaning/disinfection
The BIOCLIP range of mixers and taps can be fitted with specialist spouts and/or the whole interior can be cleaned – the only way to eliminate biofilm completely - helping to fight effectively against bacterial development.
• Mixers with removable BIOCLIP spouts
Depending on the model, mixers are supplied with two stainless steel spouts or one disposable spout. Alternative options are:
- Stainless steel spouts: the second stainless steel spout ensures continuous use while the first is being cleaned.
- Disposable spouts: each spout must be replaced periodically, depending on the type of installation.
- BIOFIL filtration spouts: these spouts guarantee the bacteriological quality of the water.
• BIOCLIP removable mixers
Mixers that can be completely removed from their base for curative or preventative measures in healthcare facilities:
- Curative action: HSG 274 Part 2 (2014) and HTM 04-01 (Updated 2017) recommend bacteriological monitoring in healthcare environments which sometimes requires remedial action. If mixers and taps are contaminated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Legionella spp etc., they can be easily removed by maintenance staff to enable the interior to be completely cleaned.
- Preventative action: to minimise bacterial proliferation in mixers and taps, we recommend concentrating on preventive measures.
BIOCLIP mixers and taps allow healthcare facilities to establish regular cleaning protocols (from every 6 months to every 2 years depending on the type of facility) to eliminate biofilm and bacteria.
Mixers and taps with low volumes of standing water
Some DELABIE mixers have specifically designed interiors that reduce the amount of standing water in the body, and thus significantly reduce the risk of bacterial development.
Mixers and taps with smooth interiors
All the internal parts of certain DELABIE mixers and taps are completely smooth, reducing biofilm attachment and making it easier to treat.
A study by the BioPI laboratory and the Department for Biological Studies at Jules Verne University in Amiens showed that under constant conditions, mixers and taps with smooth interiors have Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination levels 14 times lower than those mixers and taps with rough bodies.
Electronic controls with automatic duty flush
Stagnant water is one of the main causes of bacterial development in water systems. To prevent water stagnation in mixers and taps, all DELABIE’s electronic models are equipped with a periodic duty flush to prevent bacterial proliferation. An automatic flush takes place for ~60 seconds every 24 hours after the last use (certain models can be programmed). Thus bacteria don’t have time to develop.
Mixers without non-return valves: DHW/DCW cross-flow is impossible
DELABIE has developed a unique, patented thermostatic technology for mixers which shuts off the Hot and Cold Water directly at the inlets, and which makes non-return valves completely unnecessary. The risk of cross-flow is eliminated definitively.
BIOFIL point-of-use filtration
BIOFIL anti-Legionella and all-germ filters guarantee bacteriologically controlled water at the point-of-use and, therefore, protect the user’s well-being.
Each BIOFIL filter incorporates a hollow fibre membrane with a water filtration threshold of 0.1 micron nominal-rated. They deliver water free from microorganisms, providing total protection against waterborne infection. The BIOFIL range includes tap and shower filters, shower head filters and filtration spouts.
BIOSAFE hygienic spout outlet
Made from Hostaform®, its smooth internal surface provides nowhere for impurities or scale to adhere (no grid, partitions or star-shaped structure) reducing the emergence and spread of bacteria and germs in damp conditions.
They can only be installed on a mixer or tap that already has a restricted flow rate to ensure a good flow with no splashing.
SECURITHERM: MAXIMUM ANTI-SCALDING SAFETY
HSG 274 (2014) guidelines state that where a significant risk of scalding has been identified, point-of-use TMVs should be considered to deliver water at safe temperatures to protect the users from any risks of scalding.
Mixers with a temperature limiter
All DELABIE mixers are supplied with a maximum temperature limiter. The user cannot increase the temperature above the temperature limit reducing the risk of scalding.
The temperature limiter is set at the factory to save time during installation, however, it may be adjusted by the installer.
Automatic anti-scalding failsafe
SECURITHERM technology ensures an automatic and instant anti-scalding failsafe for users
• SECURITHERM point-of-use thermostatic mixers:
In the event of failure of the Cold Water supply, thermostatic mixers shut off the Hot Water immediately.
In the event of failure of the Hot Water supply, they also shut-off the Cold Water.
• SECURITHERM mixers with EP pressure-balancing cartridges:
If the Cold Water supply fails, the Hot Water flowon EP mixers is reduced therefore removing the risk of scalding for the user. In the event of Hot Water failure, the Cold Water flow rate is likewise reduced.
Temperature stability
• SECURITHERM point-of-use thermostatic mixers
The thermostatic cartridge guarantees temperature stability regardless of variations of pressure or flow rate in the system.
• SECURITHERM mixers with EP cartridges
The EP pressure-balancing cartridge compensates for the unavidable variations in pressure in the system, ensuring that the water temperature at the outlet remains constant.
It also removes the need for pressure regulators upstream of the mixer, which are complex and have large cavaties and several membranes which provide additional niches where microbes can develop.
Securitouch thermal insulation
DELABIE has placed an increased emphasis on safety to provide superior comfort thanks to Securitouch technology. In general, the bodies of mixers are made from chrome-plated brass. Since metal is an effective heat conductor, it is very easy for people to burn themselves simply by touching the mixer.
With Securitouch technology, any risk of burns from the patient touching the mixer or grabbing it following a slip or loss of balance in the shower is eliminated.
• SECURITHERM point-of-use thermostatic mixers:
SECURITHERM thermostatic mixers have been designed so that there is no thermal conduction along the length of the body, which prevents the risk of burns if touched.
• SECURITHERM mixers with EP cartridges:
The body of certain SECURITOUCH EP wall-mounted mechanical mixers is insulated from the hot water.
IIt arrives at the cartridge inside narrow tubes without coming into contact with the brass walls of the mixer.
Thermal shock feature
• SECURITHERM point-of-use thermostatic mixers:
With these mixers it is pssible to undertake thermal shocks at the temperature of the hot water in the system:
- for ref. H9741TP dual control model only, unscrew the temperature adjustment cap using an Allen key and turn the valve spindle clockwise all the way to the right to override the temperature setting.
- on all other dual control models simply press the little red button with a pointed tool to override the maximum temperature limiter.
- remove the control lever to unblock the temperature limiter on sequential models.
• SECURITHERM mixers with EP cartridges
With certain mixers with an EP cartridge it is possible to undertake a thermal shock at the temperature of the Hot Water in the system without removing the control lever or shutting off the Cold Water supply. This feature is also standard on some models with a classic ceramic cartridge.
COMFORT AND ERGONOMICS
Domestic washbasin mixers and taps do not provide the necessary level of comfort for the residents of healthcare facilities and retirement homes. These domestic mixers/taps are designed for personal washing (for face washing or cleaning teeth etc.) and are not designed for washing the whole body.
Unsuitable dimensions
Residents in healthcare facilities include sick, weak, elderly or disabled people. The mixers and taps used for personal hygiene should be suitable for the resident's physical needs and the required use (washing at a hand basin requires greater comfort). To ensure optimised washing, mixers and taps should have an increased spout height and projection.
Lack of Ergonomics
The control knobs of conventional mixers and taps are not designed for easy gripping. Moreover, the movement required to adjust the flow rate and temperature is not always smooth. As a result, residents in healthcare facilities and retirement homes have to make an additional effort to operate the mixer or tap.
Specific dimensions: high and extended spout (projection)
The dimensions of mixers and taps destined for patient bathrooms must be suitable for their range of movements, and offer them all the ease and comfort they require. DELABIE offers mixers and taps with higher and longer spouts than traditional mixers and taps. This allows patients to optimise hand washing and personal washing.
Moreover, an increased drop height reduces the risk of bacteria splashing back from the waste or drain onto the spout. This also allws the installation of point-of-use micro-filters.
Ergonomic controls
DELABIE offers a wide choice of ergonomic controls to meet the specific needs of different users:
Controls with manual contact:
- Sculptured levers or ergonomic controls that are easy to grip.
- Solid levers that combine design and ergonomics.
Controls with no manual contact:
- Hygiene levers: these long levers are specifically designed for healthcare professionals and patients with reduced mobility, and can be controlled with no manual contact using the wrist, forearm or elbow.
- Infrared presence detection:
DELABIE's electronic mixers and taps do not require any effort from the patient. The mixer/tap opens and closes automatically when hands are presented in the detection zone (with no manual contact) for superior comfort.
Besides the convenience and comfort they provide for the residents, these mixers and taps - which operate without manual contact - help prevent the spread of germs by hand (perfect hygiene).
WATER AND ENERGY SAVINGS
Patients or residents tend to wash at a basin rather than take a shower as they have reduced autonomy (e.g. those weakened by illness, elderly people, semi-bedridden patients, those recovering from surgery, etc.).
Washing at the washbasin takes longer (14 - 20 minutes) than showering (8 - 10 minutes on average) and involves a significant amount of water.
Average water consumption per person per day:
Domestic consumption: 137 litres per day per person
Hospitals or similar: 300 - 450 litres per day per bed
Retirement homes or care homes: up to 250 litres per bed.
Source: Information Centre for Water (CIEAU) Water Agency, Loire Brittany.
DELABIE’s mechanical mixers for washbasins: 45% water savings
Most mixer manufacturers regulate the flow rate inside the cartridge or at the mixer outlet. This inevitably creates counter pressure in the mixer, resulting in cross-flow between the hot and cold water.
DELABIE's basin mixers with ceramic cartridges are fitted with a flow rate limiter at the hot and cold water inlets to achieve 5 lpm at the outlet. The water savings achieved are about 45% and user comfort is maintained. Controlling the flow rate at the inlet instead of the outlet prevents the cross flow between hot and cold water, which causes the proliferation of bacteria upstream of the mixers.
DELABIE’s electronic mixers for washbasins: 85% water savings
Compared to conventional mixers, DELABIE’s electronic controls can offer maximum water savings. They ensure the manager's water bills can be reduced whilst preserving user comfort.
Automatic shut-off and split delivery
The mixer or tap shuts off automatically when hands are removed from the detection zone. This removes the risk of waste through negligence. The flow time is reduced to the necessary minimum (wetting, rinsing).
Regulated flow rates
Some of DELABIE’s electronic mixers and taps are regulated at 4 lpm. The majority of the rother electronic mixers and taps are regulated at 3 lpm. The flow rate remains constant regardless of pressure fluctuations in the system.
Energy savings
DELABIE’s electronic mixers and taps require less energy to operate. For the battery-operated models, DELABIE has chosen infrared active pulse technology, a low-power consumption solution. The infrared beam is emitted intermittently, saving energy while ensuring effective detection.
The electronic models have an average battery life of 350,000 cycles (or 3 - 6 years) depending on the frequency of use. The Lithium batteries are widely available, affordable and recyclable.
The significant water savings generated by DELABIE's mixers and taps also allow energy savings.
Enviromental labels
The performance of DELABIE' electronic mixers and taps in terms of water and energy savings helps buildings achieve the highest performance levels of international environmental labels such as BREEAM, LEED and HQE.
