Hosplan Code of Practice For Thermostatic Mixing Valves

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.

Table of Contents

Mixing Valve Installation/Competence

Maintenance and Service Routine

Competency of Servicing Personnel

Maintenance of Mixing Valves

MIXING VALVE INSTALLATION

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.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ROUTINE Section 8 8.1

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.

COMPETENCY OF SERVICING PERSONNEL Section 8 8.2

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.

Maintenance on Mixing Valves Section 8 8.3

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.