What is a Thermostatic Mixing Valve?
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a safety device most commonly fitted to sinks and showers to prevent scalding. They work by mixing hot and cold water before the water reaches the tap, ensuring a safe temperature for the user.
You are likely to have encountered them many times at schools, hospitals, hotels and the general workplace. Unfortunately, there's a downside.
While they should ensure a stream of safe water, they require regular testing to ensure correct function, and their design also means they can harbour bacteria like legionella due to the lack of high temperature.
How do I ensure my TMV is working correctly?
There are many different designs of TMV's, for many different uses. Healthcare and school facilities will require one type, while building regulations call for another type in domestic properties.
AquaTest Wales have our in-house plumbing engineer with over 40 years experience and can complete the required steps to help safeguard your clients. Our TMV service package includes the following:
1 - Inspection
We will examine the valve for damage and to assess whether the correct type is installed for your facility.
2 - Temperature Testing
We will test the temperature to verify it is correct, based on the requirements of your facility type.
3 - Failsafe Testing
We will perform a test to ensure the mechanical valve components are working correctly to give a positive test.
4 - Servicing
We will isolate, descale, clean and sanitise each valve component as required to give legionella nowhere to hide.
5 - Reporting & Recommendation
We will provide a report explaining what we've done, what we discovered and any recommendations.
6 - Ongoing Monitoring
We will explain to you the requirements for testing to help keep you and your clients in good health.
How often should TMV's be tested and serviced?
This depends on your facility, and it's not always straight forward...
For 'Healthy Users' there is one set of rules, but the question then becomes who is considered to be 'healthy'?
In healthcare, social care and schools, valves must undergo more stringent testing such as regular in-service tests and monitoring. If a valve fails an in-service test, the valve must be serviced or replaced according to the manufacturers instruction or the NHS MES D08 rules. But NHS MES D08 goes on to state that the first in-service TMV test must take place between 6 and 8 weeks after commissioning, and again after 12 to 15 weeks.
Regular and continuous TMV servicing, testing and monitoring therefore, are your best way to demonstrate and document that adequate thermal protection and legionella controls are being maintained.
Get in touch today and reduce risk of exposure to scalding and legionella bacteria.
Risk Assessment
The first step in meeting Legionella compliance is to undertake a legionella risk assessment. This is your primary guidance document and will identify any potential risks from Legionella posed by your water systems.
Remedial Actions
Following your risk assessment, you might have a list of actions needed in order to bring your systems into compliance. This also proves the system starts off clean.
Monitoring
You've assessed risks, cleaned the system, now you need to demonstrate that you can keep it clean and free from bacteria by monitoring, servicing and sanitising the system per a schedule.
Record Keeping
Record keeping is a subject in which many businesses fall short of the law. From risk assessment to written scheme, the requirements to keep accurate records is paramount.
Evergreening
The need for continuous improvement is a key area the HSE will review in the event of an outbreak in the local area. We will provide a detailed review and ensure your documents remain up to date.
Training
While AquaTest Wales only provide informal training to help you prepare for formal training courses at this time, we know someone who can deliver the certificated courses you might need. We're happy to help.