Safe showers and water temperature key to senior facility safety

Among the top 10 issues for long-term care facilities is non-compliance with codes that require automatic temperature control of water used in resident bathrooms


Among the top 10 issues for long-term care facilities is non-compliance with codes that require automatic temperature control of water used in resident bathrooms, according to an article on the McKnights website.

The problem is the American Association of Sanitary Engineers recommends that hot water in a holding tank be maintained at approximately 140⁰F (60⁰C) to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria. But water at 140⁰F will cause third-degree burns in adults within seconds.

Senior care facilities can address the issues in two ways:  

• By installing automatic temperature control valves on showers and lavatory sinks

• By installing hand-held shower heads with or without temperature controls 

Read the article.

 



February 17, 2016


Topic Area: Safety


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