You may be in the process of removing the outlet fitting of your healthcare tap in a bid to reduce the risk of pseudomonad contamination. However, this will actually exacerbate the issue of retrograde contamination while also introducing other problems.
The outlet fitting is a vital component of the Optitherm tap’s design and it performs a number of critical functions:
• The integral flow regulator governs the flow at a constant six litres per minute – optimised for hand-washing without splashing
• The integral flow conditioner ensures water falls from the outlet in a laminar and steady column – avoiding splashing and the creation of aerosols
• Most important is its lattice structure, which provides surface tension to stop the flow immediately on closure, retain water between actuations and minimise the area of the air-water boundary. It must not drain down: a process where the released water is replaced with contaminated air/dust/water vapour from the local environment; potential pathogens are sucked into a perfectly warm, dark, moist environment with abundant oxygen – every single time the outlet is used.
For a visual representation of this process, visit HORNE ENGINEERING’s stand.
