A Buyers Guide to Hospital Plumbing Equipment
When sourcing equipment for hospitals, you must consider the high standards of hygiene, durability, and functionality required in healthcare environments. Hospitals are high-traffic facilities where cleanliness is critical for patient care and preventing infections.
The plumbing systems and fixtures must meet stringent requirements, which is why selecting the right equipment is crucial.
Sluice Sinks/Slop Hoppers
Sluice sinks, or slop hoppers, are critical for waste disposal in hospital environments, especially in wards, sluice rooms, and care homes.
When purchasing sluice sinks, it is advisable to choose a stainless steel model, as this material is easy to clean and resistant to corrosion. Look for smooth, crevice-free surfaces and rounded edges, as this reduces the potential for bacterial growth. Size is also a crucial factor - the unit should be able to accommodate medical waste containers such as bedpans with ease.
At Washware Essentials, we supply several models of stainless steel sluice sinks manufactured to HBN 00-10 Part C: Sanitaryware Assemblies, which replaces the old HTM64 specification. Popular models DU, DUH, and DUHS sluice sinks are in stock and ready to order, with a range of optional extras depending on your needs. .
For more information on sluice sinks, take a look at our brochure, Sluice Sinks Explained.
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Medical Basins and Sinks
Medical basins and medical sinks are used in various areas including operating theatres, patient rooms, and treatment areas, and should allow for both hygiene and ease of use.
When purchasing a medical basin or sink, think about how the design prevents bacteria build up. Basins with hands-free operation, such as non-touch sensors, foot pedals, or elbow-operated taps are ideal for preventing cross-contamination, and integrated splashbacks will help keep the surrounding areas clean.
In most residential sinks and basins, the unit will contain an overflow to prevent flooding. However, with hospital equipment, it is often required that basins don’t have this feature, as overflows can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
For durability and cleanliness, stainless steel or china basins and sinks are recommended, and wall-hung designs with concealed plumbing reduce areas where dirt and germs can collect.
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Hospital Taps
Hospital taps must meet rigorous hygiene standards while being robust enough for continuous use.
We offer a range of lever-operated taps, as this is essential to reduce touchpoints and help control infection. Lever handles should be long enough for easy elbow operation. Thermostatic mixer taps ensure water is delivered at a safe temperature, preventing scalding and offering comfort for patients and staff.
Choose taps with laminar flow to reduce water splashing, which helps maintain hygiene, and ensure compliance with relevant water safety regulations, such as HTM64 in the UK.
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Plaster Sinks
Plaster sinks are designed for areas where medical staff are preparing or cleaning plaster casts, and they must be equipped to handle plaster debris and dust.
A built-in or external plaster trap is necessary to prevent drain blockages. These traps should be easy to remove and clean. Stainless steel is commonly used for its durability and resistance to staining.
Larger sinks with deep basins are preferable to allow easy cleaning of casting tools and materials. You should also consider wall-mounted units for space-saving or freestanding models for added flexibility.
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General Considerations for Hospital Plumbing Equipment
When purchasing plumbing equipment for hospitals, keep in mind the following factors:
- Compliance with Health Regulations: Ensure that all products meet national healthcare standards such as the HTM guidelines in the UK, which focus on infection control and patient safety.
- Ease of Maintenance: Hospital equipment must be easy to clean and maintain. Opt for units with smooth surfaces, easy access for repairs, and minimal crevices where bacteria can hide.
- Durability and Reliability: Hospital plumbing equipment undergoes intense use and must be made from durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or high-quality composites.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Consider energy-efficient or water-saving models, particularly for bed pan cleaners and taps, to help hospitals reduce their environmental footprint.
Equipping hospitals with the right plumbing fixtures is essential for maintaining high standards of hygiene, functionality, and safety. It’s important for plumber’s merchants to supply products that meet regulatory standards, are easy to maintain, and are built for long-term durability. By keeping infection control, ease of use, and reliability in mind, merchants can ensure they provide the best solutions for healthcare facilities.
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Posted by Paul Thorn
20th September 2024
