Hosplan
Code of Practice For Thermostatic Mixing Valves
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This is a condensed version
for quick reference. Please refer to the Table of Contents below.
This "Code of Practice on Thermostatic Mixing Valves"
used in health care buildings, has been developed by the Working
Party under the auspices of the Building Services Corporation
and incorporates information contained in all Departmental circulars
relevant to the Department of Health's policy on the use of warm
water in all patient areas. This Code has been adopted a policy
by the Department of Health for implementation in all public and
private health care facilities.
MIXING VALVE INSTALLER'S COMPETENCE
Section 6 6.15
Persons
installing mixing valves shall be licensed as a plumber by the
Building Services Corporation and shall be TAFE technically trained
and be adequately experienced in this type of work.A Certificate
of Compliance (or Certificate of inspection, as applicable) is
required to be supplied by the installing contractor to the owner/manager
of the site upon completion of installation and commissioning
and performance testing of the mixing valve and the associated
equipment, plant and fittings. A detailed check shall be made
by the installer to ensure that the requirements of the associated
specification and drawing have been fulfilled.
Prior to undertaking
any initial service on a mixing valve, a thorough inspection shall
be carried out by the maintenance contractor of the whole warm
water system excluding the hot water and cold water systems) to
establish whether it is installed and operating satisfactorily
and complies with the requirements of the relevant authorities
and also the published requirements of the respective manufacturer/supplier.
Consult with such supplier whenever necessary. Any departures
from these requirements shall be identified and specified (together
with detailed recommendations) in the service report'". See
also AS HB4.
It should be particularly
noted that neglect of, or any incorrect service, maintenance or
repair of mixing valves could lead to unsafe conditions being
created for any disadvantaged patients during an abolitionary
procedure, possibly resulting in scalding and death occurring
and a coronial inquiry being held and the possibility of prosecution.
Consequently special
notice shall be taken of the general responsibilities of maintenance
and service personnel as indicated in Section 18 of the Occupational
Health and Safety Act, 1983. The Crimes Act may also be deemed
applicable. Non-conformance to the valve manufacturers suppliers'
published service maintenance instructions for the mixing valve,
could void the manufacturers/suppliers' warranty or guarantee
for the mixing valve. Use only tools, spare parts, lubricants
or materials, maintenance/service procedures which are recommended
in the valve manufacturers/suppliers' published service instructions
or as appropriate to the particular task.
Persons servicing mixing
valves in use shall be licensed as a plumber by the Building Services
Corporation and shall be TAFE technically trained and also well
experienced in the subject.
Unless the service personnel have these qualifications and attributes,
they shall NOT be engaged in the important duty of servicing these
mixing valves as their actions could endanger the lives of the
end user (patient). There is a need to be familiar with the manufacturer/suppliers
latest(current)published service/maintenance instructions relevant
to the particular model of mixing valve to be serviced.
The routine service /
maintenance work shall be carried out regularly on all mixing
valves at the site on a programmed time basis and in strict accordance
with the respective valve manufacturers/ suppliers' published
service instructions. Twelve months maximum time interval is allowed
between routine service.
The particular valve
manufacturer's/supplier's recommendation may indicate a lesser
time interval depending upon the quality of the local water supply.
The first service shall be carried out when the mixing valve has
been in use for about 'Three to six months and a recommendation
then made by the maintenance/service personnel as to the frequency
of subsequent service needed during each year.
