Maintenance of Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) and Failsafe Checks. Carried out by Water Safe Registered, City and Guilds & NVQ Qualified Engineers.
The HSE's ACOP L8, HSG 274 and HTM 04-01 give guidance on the effective measures required to reduce the potential risk of Legionella. All fixtures, fittings and valves have a purpose, for example, thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) mix hot & cold water to reduce the hot water temperature to a safe temperature to wash and bathe in. However, these "safe" water temperatures fall within the temperature range that could promote bacterial growth. A failing mixing valve can also increase the risk of scalding.
Thermostatic Mixing Valves
Advice is often given that TMV valves need regular maintenance. This is not true. TMV valves need to be regularly inspected (called a failsafe check).
A failsafe check is designed to ensure that the TMV valve is in working order and identifies any maintenance requirements. Only if the TMV valve fails the failsafe check do you need to maintain or replace the valve.
The requirements for TMV inspection and maintenance are found in the HSE's ACOP L8, HSG 274 part 2 and Specification D-08 which is a supplement to HTM 04-01.
Are TMV Valves a Requirement?
Health & Safety law only requires that the risk of scalding is considered but that are situations when a fitting a TMV valve is legally required.
Part G of the Building Regulations requires that a Thermostatic Mixing Valve is fitted to a bath in a new build bathroom.
The Water Regulations requires that a mixing valve is fitted to a shower.
HTM 04-01 requires that a Thermostatic Mixing Valve is fitted to any non-mixed hand wash outlet.
Installing & Maintaining TMV Valves
HTM 04-01 requires the use of Water Safe registered engineer to install, commission and maintain Thermostatic Mixing Valves in healthcare sites.
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