A new Pegler Yorkshire antimicrobial copper hospital mixer tap has been designed in line with Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommendations, following the Agency’s investigation last year into Pseudomonas aeruginosa on biofilms in water tap assemblies from Northern Irish neonatal units (HEJ – May and June 2012).
The investigation found waterborne microorganisms can form a biofilm more resistant to disinfectants than the floating microorganisms themselves. To reduce the likelihood of the biofilms harbouring opportunistic, infection-causing pathogens, the HPA recommended removing the rosette or flow straightener from within the tap outlet. Pegler Yorkshire has consequently engineered a new hospital tap design to remove the need for flow straightener components ‘without compromising other health and safety issues’, such as those caused by splashing. The Performa mixer tap range includes an inbuilt flow straightener, negating the need for an additional component within the outlet. The internal profile funnels the water into the basin, and reduces splashing risk, further supported by controlled water flow regulated to 4 L/min. A reduced angled spout prevents stagnant water being left in the spout.
