Following lockdown, the risk of Legionnaires’ disease has increased due to water stagnation and an absence of normal control measures. Cases of Legionella are increasing in the UK due to several factors, including energy price hikes, reduced staff, and increased temperatures.
So says Delabie, which adds: “According to new studies, Legionnaires' disease could be spread through toilet flushing, which releases invisible ‘plumes’ of contaminated water into the air. Risk assessment in hospitals has traditionally concentrated on taps and basins, and there has been little awareness of toilets as a contamination source. Toilet cisterns must also now be recognised as a potential source of infection, containing around 9 litres of water stagnating at room temperature. Scale and corrosion build-up results in biofilm, providing an ideal environment for bacterial proliferation.”
Direct flush improves hygiene
The alternative, Delabie says, is a direct flush system which connects directly to the water supply. It explains: “A self-closing valve discharges a pre-determined flush volume without the need to store water. By employing system pressure to rinse the pan, there is no stagnation, scale deposition, or build-up of bacteria. Direct flush systems are more hygienic, and save water. The mechanism harnesses the system’s dynamic pressure, and there is no refill time, so the flush is instantly available for successive users.” Delabie’s direct flush with dual flush is pre-set to 3L/6L, and can be adjusted to 2/4L for ecological or children’s WC pans. This also prevents unhygienic splashing, removing the risk of slipping on wet floors, the company says.
Intelligent rinsing
For optimum hygiene, Delabie’s Tempomatic Dual Control direct flush valve activates via a push-button, or automatically if the user forgets. The company explains: “An intelligent rinsing system identifies the duration of use and flushes accordingly. There are three programme options, including an ecological setting for maximum accreditation with environmental schemes. This guarantees that the bowl is always rinsed, and a hygienic duty flush prevents stagnation in the pipework. Furthermore, no manual contact is required, so the toilet is accessible to all, regardless of age or mobility level.”
Fit-for-purpose
Cistern-flush mechanisms are not suitable for intensive use, Delabie maintains. It says: “Heavy-handed users can easily break their fragile mechanisms or cause deliberate flooding. Scale build-up in the cistern can also damage the seal, resulting in leaks which often go undetected. Thames Water estimates that a leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres per day. Even if the leak is detected rapidly, maintaining large numbers of toilets is time-consuming. Mechanisms can be difficult to access, and parts wear out quickly with intensive use, requiring frequent repairs.”
The Delabie solution
Direct flush mechanisms, designed for public washrooms, are ‘more robust’. The Tempomatic Dual Control’s actuator plate withstands high levels of demand, and the solenoid valve’s lifespan extends beyond 350,000 cycles. An anti-blocking system means the valve cannot be activated inadvertently or blocked to flush continuously; the flush takes place once the button is released. Delabie says: “Thanks to the push-button, the flush also still activates even if the power fails. Direct flush systems offer a hygienic solution for toilet facilities in healthcare facilities. Designed for intensive use, they provide a sustainable solution that manages water consumption, and are easy to maintain.”
To find out more, visit Delabie on stand B46 at the Healthcare Estates 2023 exhibition
