Thermostatic Mixing Valves and Failsafe Checks.  Carried out by Water Safe Registered, City and Guilds and NVQ Qualified Engineers.

The HSE's ACOP L8, HSG 274 and the Department of Health's HTM 04-01 all require that Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) are regularly monitored and maintained when needed.

The requirements include temperature monitoring and failsafe checks.  For healthcare sites HTM 04-01 requires that these checks are carried out by Water Safe registered engineers.

TMV valves mix hot and cold-water to reduce the hot water temperature to a safe temperature to wash and bathe in.  The required checks are to ensure the thermal performance of the valve.  A failing mixing valve can also increase the risk of scalding.

At Water Wise our service team includes engineers who are members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Water Safe registered as required by HTM 04-01 and recognised as "Approved Contractors" under the Water Regulations.

Are TMV Valves a Requirement?

Health & Safety law requires that the risk of scalding is considered, that does not mean TMV valves are a requirement.  Sometimes "caution" signs are all that are needed.

However, there are some siutations where a mixing valve is required.  Such as baths in new builds, showers and carehomes.

The Legionella Risk

When not installed, maintained or monitored correctly TMV valves increase the risk of Legionella bacterial growth.

This is because the temperatures downstream of TMV valves usually fall within the range identified to promote bacterial growth.

Record Keeping

TMV valves should be monitored and checked at the frequency identified in a competent Legionella Risk Assessment.

Records of all temperatures and checks should be recorded in the site's logbook as well as the competencies of those carrying out the checks.