Kohler Mira company Rada has launched what it claims is the world’s first digital mixing valve for washbasins designed specifically for healthcare applications. With an estimated 300,000 UK hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) annually (National Audit Office, June 2009), it argues that good hand hygiene has never more critical.
Seeking both to encourage thorough, regular handwashing, and to significantly reduce Legionella risk, Rada’s new HTM64 and HTM 04-01- compliant Acu TMV3 mixing valve uses “T-logic digital intelligence” to provide non-touch water flow and temperature control “with unparalleled safety and accuracy”. There are three main pre-set operating modes:
• In “patient” mode water flow is triggered immediately the user places their hands under the spout, which also activates the temperature sensors. Users can raise or lower the pre-set mixed water temperature simply by placing their hand within 60 mm of the red or blue sensors on the front panel. “Full cold” mode can also be selected. Once the flow is deactivated the mixer re-activates at the pre-selected temperature for 30 seconds.
• In “surgical” mode the Acu displays a “non-touch” screen, and activation is via the spout sensor. The 41°C default temperature can be user-altered in 2° increments. Once water reaches the set temperature a 3-minute countdown timer starts.
• In “clinical” mode a “non-touch” read-out is again displayed, and water flow stops automatically the user removes their hands. The 41°C default temperature is non-adjustable.
The “intelligent digital design” LCD display (which also shows any faults self-diagnosed), and a secure magnetic programming key, facilitate programming of temperature, selection of pre-set mode, override of pre-settings if required, and access to temperature logging data. Duty flush after 18 hours’ non-use, plus a thermal disinfection procedure with secure activation, minimise risk of Legionella build-up. Five key safety parameters are monitored 40 times a second during operation, while access to the valve and sensors for maintenance simply requires removal of the cover and PCB, and isolation of supply. Components are easy to replace, and filters can be removed, cleaned and replaced in under five minutes.
