TMVs & Scalding Risks in Hospitals & Healthcare Environments – Managing the Dilemma
Thermostatic Mixing Valves or TMVs are used extensively in hospitals, healthcare environments, care homes and other social care settings where they are used to successfully control the scalding risks associated with very hot water, typically water at temperatures in excess of 44OC.
However, whilst TMVs help to protect patients, staff and visitors from scalding they bring with them a number of other issues including an increased risk of Legionella and Pseudemonas accumulation and proliferation; together with additional facilities and engineering costs, higher equipment and installation charges; and on-going TMV servicing, inspections, repairs and maintenance obligations.