Commercial Architecture November 2015 - (Page 24)

plumbing PROJECT Ideally, lavatory faucets should have a gooseneck spout with wrist-blade handles. Healthcare Puts Demands On Fixtures Constant use, exposure to harsh chemicals, and the need to be germ free make choosing the correct healthcare plumbing a priority. Joan Taylor, T&S Brass and Bronze Works Inc. A safe, reliable water-delivery system is crucial valves should be equipped with vacuum breakers. to the operation of the more than 500,000 Backflow preventers should be installed at every lines. Generally speaking, all valves should offer easy, hands-free operation, using wrist blades, foot controls, healthcare facilities serving nearly 136 mil- location in which the potable water supply should be lion people throughout the U.S. Plumbing design, en- protected from contamination. In addition, all water gineering, and product specification are critical factors spigots used in lavatories and sinks should have clear- AREAS OF CONCERN in building or renovating any facility. ances sufficient to avoid contaminating utensils. Al- While healthcare facilities in general will share many or electronic sensors. One of the most important considerations in though healthcare facilities are exempt from most wa- common needs, areas designated for particular types choosing plumbing products for the healthcare envi- ter- and energy-conservation regulations, all products of care may require very specific needs. Here are a few ronment is durability. Constant use, exposure to harsh coming in contact with potable water should be lead of those situations. chemicals, and the need to be germ free make chromi- free and in compliance with the guidelines stipulated Patient Care Areas. This area typically includes a um-plated faucets and fixtures the optimum choice for in the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, restroom with a water closet, lavatory, and a shower or a healthcare setting. The chrome finish is rust resis- which went into effect in 2014. tub. Plumbing products used here should be designed tant, makes cleaning easy, and can be covered with an Healthcare fixtures should also be in compliance anti-microbial coating to offer an extra layer of protec- with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guide- for convenience as well as durability: * Ceramic cartridges. These allow exceptional ease of use, important because patients may have a wide tion from germs. Controlled water flow is another area of significant range of limitations and physical handicaps. Ce- concern. Turbulent-flow faucets create over splash and ramic cartridges also provide easy control of water dangerous situations such as spills or accumulated wa- flow rates. ter on the floor-a serious hazard for anyone, but espe- * Lavatory faucets. Ideally, these should have a goose- cially for those with physical handicaps. Choosing neck spout with wrist-blade handles. For more con- laminar-flow faucets will prevent spillage that could venience and improved hygiene, the design can in- cause slips and falls, as well as reduce maintenance and corporate electronic or hands-free controls. * Shower valves. In the interest of safety and the pre- clean up. Contamination of potable water supplies is a very vention of accidental scalding, shower valves should real possibility in a healthcare environment. Drugs or automatically compensate for variations in water chemicals supply pressure and temperature. accidentally introduced through a * Bed-pan washer. These convenient faucets can be cross-connection or backflow could have a devastating impact. To prevent this, all faucets in vulnerable areas should be connected to an appropriate check valve or vacuum breaker, and all inlets operating below the wa- Constant use, exposure to harsh chemicals, and the need to be germ free make chromium-plated faucets and fixtures the optimum choice for a healthcare setting. ter line, all faucets with hose adapters, and all flush 24 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE NOV/DEC 2015 commercialarchitecturemagazine.com placed in patient restrooms. The patientcare area could also have a clinical-service sink faucet. Check to see if local codes require your facility to have these in place. http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture November 2015

Company Profile
Lighting Makes, Breaks Retail
Materials Create Honest Expression In High School
Fabric Filters Sunlight
Exteriors Products
Healthcare Puts Demands On Fixtures
HVAC & Plumbing Products
Aerospace Distribution Center Opts For Intelligent LEDs
Lighting & Electrical Products
Signature Space Created For PR Firm
Interiors Products
Office Fronts Encourage Interaction, Ensure Privacy
Windows & Doors Products
Adaptive Reuse Gives A L ift To Former Eatery
Building Technology Products
Showcase
Index
Portfolio

Commercial Architecture November 2015