The myriad of tap outlet and basin styles used in healthcare facilities presents a challenge to installing a suitable and compatible point of use water filter.
Tap outlets vary significantly in terms of their configuration, outlet connection diameter, mode of operation, and installation distance from the wash basin. Similarly wash basins vary in design in terms of size, and depth and may incorporate novel features such as anti-splash technology.
These factors in isolation or in combination may have a significant impact on the safe operation of a water filter, and vice versa for the effective operation of the tap outlet.
The implications of installing a non-compatible tap filter can be significant, the consequences of which may be detrimental to end user safety, infection prevention, and control practices and create a compliance breach.
Where the installation of a filter impacts the area between the outlet and basin, reducing the available space for effective hand hygiene practices, often a challenge with shallow basins.
Where the installation of the filter breaches the air gap, contravening the Water Regulations/Bye Laws or the installation requirements specified under the WRAS approval.
Where the filter may impede the intended operation of the tap, such as impacting vertical or horizontal levers and obscuring IR sensors.
Where filters using ‘an offset outlet’ may prevent water from being delivered to ‘shark fin’ basins as designed, or where water may flow directly into vertical drains causing splashback.
Where the aforementioned compatibility issues contribute either in isolation or in tandem to increasing the risk of retrograde contamination of the filter, through handling during use or back splashing from contaminated reservoirs such as drains.
A ‘one size fits all’ approach to installing filters for the wide range of tap and basin configurations used in healthcare is therefore not a practical solution.
Choosing the ‘right filter for the right tap outlet’ is an important consideration in product selection, as compatibility can have a significant impact on a filter, the outlet, and how end users interact with it. Ultimately, compatibility is a critical factor in maintaining the efficacy of control in waterborne pathogen infection prevention where filters are deployed.
At T-safe we recognise and understand the challenges, complexities, risks, and nuances involved. Our goal is not only on ‘delivering safe water’ but also on ensuring that our filtration solutions optimise outlet usability and end-user comfort. To that end, we offer a range of Medical Tap Filter solutions that provide greater choice and flexibility in product selection.
Medical Tap Filter Side Mount
An ideal solution for shallow wash basins with limited activity space, non-touch sensor taps, and vertical siphon wash basins.
Medical Tap Filter Fixed Position
Ideal solution for wall mounted taps, vertical and horizontal lever arm taps, and wash basins with a ‘shark fin’ feature.
