Proper product selection is of prime importance in healthcare

Legionella bacteria cause Legionnaires' disease, a respiratory infection that affects people with chronic respiratory problems and those with weakened immune systems. The bacteria develop where stagnant water and a source of nutrients are present, think biofilm in pipes or rusted water storage tanks. The bacteria multiply at temperatures of 20 to 45°C and can be harmful when inhaled in aerosol form. Because it is impossible to eradicate biofilm, healthcare facilities should take the necessary measures to inhibit its formation and limit bacterial growth. 

However, hygiene and safety are not only about keeping bacteria out, but certainly also about minimizing the risk of scalding. Because, the legislation states, to combat the risk of bacterial growth, healthcare facilities must produce warmer water and distribute it in the piping system. However, this also increases the risk of skin burns, especially in hospitalized persons with less sensitivity and/or fewer reflexes. Thus, it is necessary to maintain a fixed maximum temperature while reducing the risk of burns by implementing targeted safety measures.

DELABIE feels strongly about the control and prevention of bacterial growth and offers a wide range of technical solutions. For example, a thermostat allows the building manager to maintain prescribed temperatures in the network and ensure the safety of the users. The thermostat should have anti-combustion safety
(SECURITHERM technology from DELABIE) which ensures that the hot water is automatically and immediately shut off as soon as the cold water fails and vice versa. In addition, there is the Securitouch thermal insulation that ensures that any risk of burns, by touching or grasping the faucet, is completely eliminated.

In addition, electronic faucets from DELABIE can be chosen. These are equipped with an automatic periodic flush: every 24 hours after the last use, the flush is activated for 60 seconds, preventing water stagnation and therefore bacterial growth. An anti-stagnation electrovalve, without a rubber membrane behind which a small amount of stagnant water always remains, is an additional advantage in the fight against bacterial growth. Thanks to the faucet outlet made of Hostaform®, an anti-limescale material, the adhesion of impurities and limescale becomes impossible. There is also the range of BIOCLIP faucets: these faucets can be disassembled for thorough internal cleaning.