3
SAFETY : WARNINGS
1.
It is installed, commissioned, operated and maintained in accordance with the
recommendations given in this Manual.
2.
Type 3 valves are only used for applications covered by their approved
designations.
3.
Periodic attention is given, as necessary, to maintain the product in good functional
order. Recommended guidelines are given in the
MAINTENANCE
section.
4.
Continued use of this product in conditions outside the specification limits given
in this Manual can present potential risk to users.
The function of this thermostatic mixing valve is to deliver water consistently at a
safe temperature. This requires that:
The use of the word ‘failsafe’ to describe the function of a thermostatic mixing
valve is both incorrect and misleading. In keeping with every other mechanism it
cannot be considered as being functionally infallible.
Provided that the thermostatic mixing valve is installed, commissioned, operated
within the specification limits and maintained according to this Manual, the risk of
malfunction, if not eliminated, is considerably reduced.
Malfunction of thermostatic mixing valves is almost always progressive in nature
and will be detected by the use of proper temperature checking and maintenance
routines.
Certain types of system can result in the thermostatic mixing valve having excessive
‘dead-legs’ of pipework. Others allow an auxiliary cold water supply to be added to the
mixed water from the mixing valve. Such systems can disguise the onset of
thermostatic mixing valve malfunction.
Ultimately, the user or attendant must exercise due diligence to ensure that the delivery
of warm water is at a stable, safe temperature. This is particularly important in such
healthcare procedures as supervised bathing of patients unable to respond immediately
to unsafe temperatures.
ADVICE
