As an occupational therapist, it goes without saying, that when I’m involved in designing a bathroom adaptation my primary concern is on improving a person’s independence and safety. I spend a considerable amount of time ensuring the design layout in a bathroom environment and products used provide the best solution for achieving an independent and safe setting. But how often as occupational therapists do we think about the regulations that are in place to ensure products are safe for our clients to use? To highlight this issue, we take a look at how occupational therapists can be reassured that the showering products they recommend are ideally suited for the application. 

I will be the first to admit, when involved in designing a bathroom adaptation, my main focus is on safeguarding against the risk of falls and other injuries that can be caused by structural aspects of the surrounding environment. However, scalding from hot water is a risk to us all, especially for those older and disabled people who have physical and sensory impairments which make it difficult for them to judge or respond to the effects of hot water. Whilst regulations state 46° C is the maximum water temperature coming from a bath tap, it’s thought that this is not a safe bathing temperature for children, the elderly or disabled people. Instead, the British Burns Association recommends bathing water temperature should be in the region of 37 to 37.5°C. So, this leaves the question as to how occupational therapists can ensure the products they use or recommend will achieve this.

One feature occupational therapists can identify, is products that have a TMV rating. So what is a TMV rating? Well, it is an industry standard and if a product has a TMV rating, it provides reassurance that the thermostatic valve used in either taps or showers restricts the water temperature to a safe level. These valves work by blending the hot and cold water supply to achieve the appropriate water temperature. For example the Triton Elina range includes showers that have either TMV2 accreditation, that applies to products that are used in domestic environments, or a TMV3 accreditation, that is required for those products used in healthcare settings such as a social housing adaptations, nursing homes and hospitals.

Where an electric shower has been specified there are scenarios where problems can arise from fluctuations in water temperature. To avoid these problems occupational therapists can recommend using products that carry the BEAB Care Mark. So what is the BEAB Care Mark? The BEAB Care Mark is awarded by Intertek, an organisation who independently test the quality and safety of manufactured products. The Care Mark was developed in recognition that in care situations, older and disabled people are at particular risk from scalding when in a showering environment. The Triton Omnicare Design is one product that has been designed with this in mind. Being both BEAB Care Mark and RNIB accredited, the shower provides simple operation with peace of mind that allows occupational therapists to confidently specify a showering solution in to a bathroom design with the independence and wellbeing of each client in mind.

Further information

 

Omnicare Design Thermostatic Shower With Grab Riser Rail Kit

Elina TMV3 Inclusive Bar Mixer Shower + Grab

Care Showers for Disabled and Elderly

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The OT Service - Specialist Housing Occupational Therapy company providing expert OT's via a nationwide network to Case Managers and commercial companies.