Thermostatic tap has many advantages

In creating the new tap, Horne’s newproduct development team had to take into account certain recent legislative requirements. For example, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) now requires that two people lift IPS panelling due to its awkward shape and weight. Bringing the whole tap into the room, complete with its isolation valves, fine-mesh strainers and check-valves provided the answer. This has the added advantage of compliance with HTM 04-01 Part B, which states that water becoming stagnant in long pipe-runs can be problematic (para 5.9). Bringing the tap into the room minimises the length of the warm water pipe runs.

However, the HBN “Safe Hot Water and Surface Temperatures” requires that hospitals have no exposed pipework or any surface at more than 42°C within reach of the patient. To address this issue, Horne developed a double-entry sleeved spigot arrangement, which prevents the surface temperature from rising near to the hot water service temperature. This means that the tap fits into one hole in the panel, unlike traditional bib taps where cleaning cloths and other sundries are stored in the gap formed behind the tap and between the two pipes. It also makes cleaning easier generally.

For ease of maintenance, the Optitherm was designed so that all of the components requiring access are located under a single bottom cover. This cover is formed from a precision pressure die casting and has no protruding features or dirt-traps. The cover is screwed on tightly at commissioning with a strap-wrench and is therefore impenetrable to anyone without a strap-wrench.

Furthermore, the touch-free technology helps to reduce the spread of HAI. There is a pair of levers on each side of the tap so that it can be turned on using a thumb against the short lever, and turned off using an elbow against the long lever. This means that the cleaned arm never touches the short lever, reducing the spread of infection.