Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

Waterborne pathogens are a growing public health risk within a healthcare environment. Bacteria such as legionella pneumophila and pseudomonas aeruginosa colonize in water systems, putting people at risk. Statistically, 36 million people are admitted for care each year, 2 million will acquire one of these infections and the CDC estimates that nearly 75,000 will not survive an HAI.

An intelligently designed, operated and maintained hot water system inclusive of modern digital controls which can manage, monitor, record and document performance is a critical component in HAI control.

Rada Digital Faucets are an essential component of Armada℠—a total, state-of-the-art hot water system engineered to deliver a superior level of user safety, infection control and compliance, from mechanical room to the point of use.

DATED FAUCET DESIGN ELEVATES RISK

Managing safe dependable water for ablutionary application within the healthcare setting is challenging. The near ubiquitous use of hand sanitizer as an alternate hygiene protocol further complicates. Outmoded water flow & temperature controls can colonize and transmit bacteria, contaminating users who come in contact with them. This puts patients, visitors and medical staff at risk.

Waterborne pathogens

Bacteria can exist on fixtures and surfaces even after soap, water & sanitizer have been introduced. When doctors, nurses, and caregivers touch faucets after washing, these germs can be transferred to patients. This is of particular concern to the immunocompromised.

Outlet contamination

Flow straighteners and laminar inserts reduce aerosolization but are difficult to keep clean. Their large surface area serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. Flow restrictors and filters create similar risks.

Cross infection

Harmful bacteria, such as Legionella pneumophila or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can colonize in areas of the water system that are prone to microbial buildup and static water. These waterborne pathogens infect nearly 300,000 patients a year in US hospitals with diseases that are largely preventable.

Everchanging Guidelines, Codes, and Standards

The Affordable Care Act now requires that healthcare facilities devote a portion of revenue to reducing HCAs. The CMS (Medicare & Medicaid) mandate of 2018 requires a water management plan and ASHRAE 188 compliance.

These directives among other Standards of Care such as VA1061, OSHA 1998 and the Joint Commission Environment of Care mean that healthcare organizations need to remain agile so that they can keep pace with frequently changing codes and standards.

Hot Water Scald Injury

Water Heater set point temperatures above 140F and system distribution return temperatures above 124F are now the typical waterborne pathogen risk management guideline mandate. Higher water temperatures introduce the potential for scald injury. Hot water systems which are engineered to deliver a superior level of safety, infection control and compliance, from mechanical room to the point of use should be a primary consideration.

The Total Cost of Energy

On average, US hospitals use 350 gallons of water per staffed bed, per day. The associated expense of heating and distribution to the distal usage points calls modern systems designed, operated and maintained for maximum energy efficiency.

Digital is smarter.

ARMSTRONG, THE DIGITAL WATER TEMPERATURE CONTROL PIONEER INTRODUCES THE RADA DIGITAL FAUCET.

The Brain®, Digital Recirculating Valve, first changed healthcare facility hot water design and operation by delivering a new, unparalleled level of hot water system temperature control.

By introducing the Rada Digital Faucet, Armstrong continues to innovate by moving to the digital technology already proven in the mechanical room downstream to the point of use.

Rada Digital Faucets offer:

• The Brain^® digital performance micro sized in a Point of Use fixture
• Programmable Hands-Free Activation & Temperature Control
• ASSE 1070 approved - No requirement for separate under sink TMV
• Bluetooth technology for programming & information management
• Programmable automatic fixture flush to evacuate stagnant water
• A sensible Thermal Disinfection protocol – one fixture at a time
• Innovative Bacterial Resistant Internal Design
• Integration with The Brain for complete Hot Water system monitoring and temperature control
• Armstrong SAGE® software for system performance monitoring, recording and documentation.

Our products and comprehensive solutions are the first to address all of the challenged of modern healthcare.