Do you run a childcare centre, school or operate a commercial business that hires staff for any of your operations? Are you aware that thermostatic mixing valve testing is a prerequisite to meeting government regulations? Industrial TMV testing keeps your workplace safe and legal while preventing unnecessary repairs or even worse, a costly shutdown of your business.
Thermostatic mixing valves, also referred to as TMVs, are responsible for blending both the hot and cold water to produce a constant and safe hot water temperature when any person on site uses a tap. They’re required, by law, to be installed on all commercial and industrial properties. Read on to find out how to keep your thermostatic mixing valve system fully functional and why it’s essential to do so.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve Compliance
Every business owner is responsible for the health and safety of their staff, clients and anyone else using their commercial property. Making sure that your commercial plumbing system is functioning optimally is one of the requirements for meeting the health and safety standards stipulated by legislation.
Thermostatic mixing valves compliance requires all industrial and commercial properties to install TMVs to provide hot water at safe and consistent temperatures. The maximum temperature is 50°C. This prevents any serious burns as well as contamination by the deadly bacteria called legionella which breeds in water.
It must be noted that government regulations stipulate an optimum temperature of 45°C for childcare centres, schools and homes for the elderly, disabled or sick persons.
Why Should TMVs be Tested?
Regular testing of TMVs is required by the Occupational Health and Safety Standards (AS3500). TMV testing ensures that they’re operating correctly at all times, delivering safe water temperatures whenever the tap is turned on.
By neutralising both bacterial growth and maintaining a constant, safe water temperature on your commercial property, you can rest assured your staff and other users are safe.
Routine Testing and Maintenance of TMVs
The correct installation of TMVs should be done by a professional commercial plumbing company such as our team of experts at Banjo Nominees. However, it’s also essential to have routine testing and maintenance of your TMVs to ensure they’re operating properly at all times.
To keep in line with government regulations it’s advised to perform routine testing and maintenance every 12 months. This way you can be sure that the water meets the required safety standards for safe water temperature. Plus, you won’t need to worry about the legionella bacteria contaminating your water.
The following issues will be checked during routine testing of the facility’s TMVs:
- Damage: Testing will ascertain if any damage to the TMVs since installation needs to be repaired or replaced.
- Dirt: If there is any build-up of dirt or other debris, the TMVs will be cleaned to prevent the risk of bacterial infestation or faulty delivery of safe water temperatures.
- Water temperature: The water temperature will be checked to make sure it’s consistent at either 50⁰C or 45⁰C, depending on the facility’s purpose.
A malfunctioning thermostatic mixing valve can lead to costly repairs and even threaten the health and safety of your staff. Performing routine testing and maintenance of TMVs gives you peace of mind you create a safe environment.
Who Should Have Routine Testing of TMVs?
Schools, childcare centres and facilities caring for the aged, sick and disabled should have TMVs installed on their premises and regularly tested. Also, if you own commercial businesses like these, you’re required to perform annual TMVs testing and maintenance:
- Hospitals
- Restaurants and other catering facilities
- Gyms
- Beauty salons
- Manufacturing industries
Any property that uses a hot water system is required to install TMVs and carry out routine testing. So, make sure you’re covered and keep your TMVs fully operational.
Who Does TMV Testing and Maintenance?
By law, in Australia, routine testing and maintenance of TMVs need to be done by accredited plumbers who have been certified by the Australian Government Standards. These experts are trained and equipped to perform tests to ensure your TMVs meet all industry regulations.
You can call us today at Banjo Nominees for all your TMV installation, testing and maintenance requirements. Contact us on 03 9397 1111 or make an online request and we’ll get back to you. With more than 58 years of experience in the plumbing industry, you can rest assured you’ll get exactly what you need.