Not all LST radiators are created equally. While some come cheap and cheerful, more advanced models provide staff and service users with added protection and ease of use.
The business case for investing in a robust and technologically developed LST radiator or radiator cover often depends on the environment it is intended to be used. In healthcare settings, added layers of protection such as anti-microbial coatings, drop-down doors or rotating valves can be the difference to deliver a thorough clean that ensures the highest levels of hygiene are upheld.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find the insights needed to select an effective and safe heating system tailored to the distinctive needs of healthcare settings.
Chapters Include:
Looking for more information? Click on each header to check out the expanded posts, where we look at each of these areas one by one in more detail, offering practical advice and expert insights on LST radiators in healthcare settings.
Contour offers two distinct LST radiator ranges: DeepClean and Covora Lite. But how do you decide which one is the right choice for your specific project?
|
Feature |
DeepClean LST Radiator |
Covora Lite LST Radiator |
|
Suitable For |
Healthcare facilities |
Classrooms, student accommodation |
|
Access for Cleaning |
Full drop-down hinged doors |
N/A |
|
Antimicrobial Protection |
Biocote® coating built-in |
Biocote® coating option available |
|
Casing Thickness |
1.5mm Zintec (2mm for secure facilities) |
Standard 1.2mm Zintec |
|
Safety Features |
Radius corners, no sharp edges |
Bullnose corners, half bullnose edges |
|
Bespoke Sizing |
Available |
No |
|
Lead Time |
10-14 working days |
Shorter lead times |
|
Hygiene and Antimicrobial Protection |
Yes |
Yes |
Contour’s market-leading DeepClean LST range of radiators and guards has been revolutionising the protection of vulnerable people from unsafe hot surface heating in healthcare, education, and care home environments. The patented easy-to-open front panel of the DeepClean LST range can lie flat to the floor when fully open, which eases complete removal of the door if needed for thorough cleaning and keeping high hygiene standards.
The DeepClean LST system with its integral antimicrobial technology has potentially helped hospitals and care facilities throughout the UK save millions of pounds in cleaning costs since 2006, with its quick and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. A full pipe casing, HVAC & perimeter casing and manifold cabinet offer are also available to complete our safe surface temperature package.
Residents of nursing and care homes often belong to high-risk categories for healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs) due to factors like their age and existing health conditions. For this reason, infection control protocols must always be of an extremely high standard and will come under scrutiny during regular inspections of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The DeepClean range is powder coated both inside and outside, incorporating Biocote® protection technology, supplying an added layer of defence against the transmission of infectious diseases within care homes and nursing environments.
The DeepClean LST range is designed with easy access for regular cleaning, featuring built-in antimicrobial properties for added protection. The unique easy-to-open front panel of the DeepClean LST range can lie flat to the floor when fully open, which eases complete removal of the door if needed for thorough cleaning and keeping high hygiene standards.
Discover the importance of antimicrobial solutions in care environments and their role in infection prevention and control (IPC) to safeguard the well-being and health of residents.
Care homes are more than just medical facilities; they are places where residents expect to feel safe, comfortable, and well-cared for. Unfortunately, the risk of infectious outbreaks, including pathogens like C. difficile, E. coli and MRSA, can shatter this sense of security, subjecting residents to distressing physical symptoms and, in extreme cases, potential fatality.
Antimicrobial-treated materials can inhibit growth or kill a percentage of microorganisms over prolonged periods, helping with odour control, material protection and infection control of the area. These substances can be incorporated into various materials and products for two primary reasons:
Infections in care homes can have devastating consequences for residents. As care homes continue to face scrutiny about infection control, it’s crucial to take an extra step in your infection control strategy. You can incorporate antimicrobial protection into the products and materials used in patient care areas.
For example, The DeepClean LST radiators have built-in BioCote® Antimicrobial protection, which has been proven to reduce microbes by up to 99.99%. This technology works continuously to minimise microbe levels on treated products, offering an added layer of defence against the transmission of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).
Infections can spread rapidly in healthcare environments and furniture like radiator covers can be a potential breeding ground for microbes. Shared challenges that come with conventional radiators include:
Difficulties In Cleaning and Maintenance. Radiators in operation inherently attract dust, setting up an environment perfect for microbial growth. The challenge intensifies with conventional radiator designs, where access to cleaning is hindered. Unlike conventional radiator designs that compromise cleanliness due to their challenging structures, the DeepClean LST supplies an efficient solution tailored for thorough cleaning.
Material Robustness and Antimicrobial Technology. In areas with high foot traffic, radiators are particularly vulnerable to the bumps, scratches, and wear and tear of daily use. The consequences of these incidents bring more than simply concerns about the looks, as surfaces with scratches become hiding spots for microbes. When cracks or fissures develop, water or moisture can penetrate, further intensifying microbial activity. Infused with antimicrobial additives, DeepClean LST radiators supply the best protection against bacteria and mould. The surface of the LST radiator is more hygienic and less likely to have a potential risk of cross-contamination. In a live-ward experiment conducted by BioCote®, results found that BioCote® protected products were less contaminated with a 96% reduction in bacteria.
Enhanced Infection Control with Antimicrobial DeepClean LST. The DeepClean range goes beyond the ordinary by featuring a powder coating on both the inside and outside, seamlessly incorporating BioCote® protection technology into our LST radiators and radiator covers to inhibit the growth of microbes on surfaces, ensuring cleaner and safer heating. The incorporation of BioCote® antimicrobial technologies has proven an impressive reduction of microbes by up to 99.99% and is an initiative-taking step towards improving hygiene standards. Conventional radiator designs pose cleaning challenges, fostering environments with higher risks of microbial proliferation and the potential spread of infectious diseases.
As the only Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiator supplier to provide BioCote® antimicrobial protection on its products, The DeepClean range of LST and anti-ligature radiators and guards holds this unique additive which supplies an effective and long-lasting solution to combat a wide range of bacteria.
BioCote® is a leading antimicrobial additive with over 20 years of experience. The company specialises in the development and application of antimicrobial technology, making it a trusted choice for various industries. Heating options treated with BioCote® are exclusively available in Contour Heating. We incorporate BioCote® antimicrobial protection directly into the paintwork of our LST and anti-ligature radiator guards, which supplies a unique and effective solution against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi.
Contour Heating's innovative DeepClean range, fortified with BioCote® antimicrobial protection, finds wide-ranging applications across diverse environments against the spread of harmful pathogens. Hygiene and infection control in healthcare settings like hospitals, care homes and nursing homes are particularly crucial to the well-being of the residents, the DeepClean radiators and guards ensure a sanitary and secure environment, mitigating the risk of infection. Within educational institutions such as schools, the DeepClean range plays a crucial role in fostering a hygienic learning environment, safeguarding both students and faculty. Beyond these core sectors, the adaptability of Contour's solution extends to various settings where cleanliness is a priority, allowing customisable options to meet the unique needs of each space and guaranteeing a superior standard of hygiene.
Ensuring the best heating in care and nursing homes is not just a matter of comfort; it is a fundamental element in safeguarding the well-being and even the lives of elderly residents. The rapid loss of body heat in the elderly population can escalate into a critical issue if not addressed effectively.
Care homes run around the clock, resulting in constant heating requirements that contribute significantly to operational costs. An average care home with 50 residents already spends about £50,000 annually on gas and electricity. However, forecasts from energy brokers suggest that price increases could potentially double these costs.
Your care home heating efficiency is more than a matter of cost but a factor in ensuring the well-being and safety of more vulnerable residents. LST radiators with advanced features like Kingspan foam insulation reduce overall facility running costs, ensuring the thermal comfort of residents. They can stabilise the room temperature by preventing heat loss and offer a safer design alternative compared to regular heating systems.
Contour's DeepClean LST is a heat pump compatible with a design that prevents heat loss and keeps heat at the same time. It reduces energy costs and contributes to a lower carbon footprint in your facility. The range features a powder coating on both the inside and outside, incorporating BioCote® protection technology onto the product surface to inhibit the growth of microbes on surfaces, ensuring cleaner and safer heating.
Contour's DeepClean LST provides a safer and cleaner heating choice with a safe surface temperature, unique easy-access design, and antimicrobial properties. The range features a powder coating on both the inside and outside, incorporating BioCote® protection technology onto the product surface to inhibit the growth of microbes on surfaces, ensuring cleaner and safer heating. The incorporation of BioCote® antimicrobial technologies has proved an impressive reduction of microbes by up to 99.99% and is an initiative-taking step towards improving hygiene standards. Conventional radiator designs pose cleaning challenges, fostering environments with higher risks of microbial proliferation and the potential spread of infectious diseases. DeepClean LST tackles these challenges head-on with a unique easy cleaning design, offering accessible surfaces for cleaning and minimising hidden spaces where dust and microbes thrive.
Winter can be especially challenging for care home residents, who often face heightened vulnerability to the cold. Apart from just turning up the heat, it's crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach, addressing their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is clear why a proper care home heating system is important in the cold, but not all heating solutions guarantee both warmth and safety, especially in environments like care homes where residents are more vulnerable. Keeping care home residents physically and mentally active is also a key element to well-being during winter times. Engaging in regular physical activities boosts mood, enhances cognitive function, and helps combat the winter blues.
Regular health check-ups can help find and address potential health risks during the colder months and allow for targeted preventive measures to mitigate the impact of seasonal challenges. Implement practical strategies, such as promoting regular handwashing, supporting cleanliness, and encouraging proper respiratory hygiene to protect residents against contagious ailments. To further enhance residents' emotional well-being, consider integrating activities like meditation sessions, gentle exercises, or sensory experiences. These initiatives equip residents with effective tools to navigate and cope with the seasonal stressors that may arise.
The cleanliness of heating systems is equally essential in preventing the spread of pathogens as regular cleaning prevents dust buildup and the potential spread of germs. LST radiators with easy cleaning designs, such as the DeepClean range, simplify the cleaning process. This ensures a thorough and consistent cleaning routine for both internal and external surfaces, fostering better hygiene within the care home and safeguarding the overall health of residents.
The prospect of replacing entire heating systems and transitioning from gas boilers to air-source heat pumps poses a significant hurdle. Not only does this undertaking incur substantial costs, but it also demands considerable labour and results in downtime – a critical concern, particularly in healthcare settings. To address this dilemma and optimise efficiency without resorting to extensive radiator replacements, alternative solutions have been explored.
The commitment to carbon reduction plans raises the question of the feasibility of overhauling entire heating systems. The costs involved in transitioning from gas boilers to air-source heat pumps are not merely financial; they also encompass the extensive labour needed for installation. Hospitals, for instance, face the dilemma of significant downtime during such transitions, affecting their ability to supply uninterrupted healthcare services. The financial burden along with other logistical challenges, needs a careful examination of alternatives that can deliver on sustainability goals without incurring excessive costs and disruptions.
Among all the alternatives available, replacing gas boilers with steam boilers supplies a compelling solution. This innovative approach introduces the concept of radiators running at higher flow temperatures, offering a cost-effective and sustainable option, particularly for healthcare companies. Steam boilers cut the need for extensive radiator replacements and streamline the transition process. This means your pre-existing low surface temperature radiators don’t need to be stripped out. The result is not only a more energy-efficient heating system but also a solution that aligns with carbon reduction plans while mitigating the financial burden associated with comprehensive heating system upgrades.
Steam heating systems, particularly when powered by steam boilers, present a suitable alternative for those navigating the balance between carbon emission reduction and practicality. While new builds may continue to favour air-source heat pumps, the adaptability of steam boilers positions them as a beacon of efficiency for renovations, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective path forward. Contour's DeepClean LST is a steam boiler compatible with a design that prevents heat loss and keeps heat at the same time. It reduces energy costs and contributes to a lower carbon footprint in your facility. The range features a powder coating on both the inside and outside, incorporating BioCote® protection technology onto the product surface to inhibit the growth of microbes on surfaces, ensuring cleaner and safer heating.
Factors like the location, surface temperature, and presence of sharp edges in heating systems all play a part in ensuring residents' safety. Control measures recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in environments like care homes include implementing low surface temperature heat emitters, strategically placing heat sources out of residents' reach, and installing safeguards for heated areas (e.g. supplying radiator covers, covering exposed pipework).
Low Surface Temperature (LST) radiators offer an initiative-taking and safer heating solution for care homes. Care facilities must ensure that their radiators align with NHS DN4 requirements which conforms to an average accessible surface temperature of 43°C. The Health & Safety Executive states that under Health and Safety Legislation, radiator guards ARE REQUIRED when people who have limited mobility are at risk of falling onto a hot surface which could cause harm. Radiator covers play a crucial role as a protective barrier, effectively mitigating potential harm and contributing significantly to the overall well-being of residents.
Contour's DeepClean LST provides a safer and cleaner heating choice with a safe surface temperature, unique easy-access design, and antimicrobial properties. The range features a powder coating on both the inside and outside, incorporating BioCote® protection technology onto the product surface to inhibit the growth of microbes on surfaces, ensuring cleaner and safer heating.
Looking to specify an LST radiator that goes beyond the basics?
The DeepClean LST’s design makes it possible for a single cleaning operative to access the internal and external surface of the radiator guard without any support from a Facilities or Estates department. This allows for full access for cleaning inside the radiator guard. This significantly improves cleaning efficiencies, helps reduce overheads and importantly raises hygiene standards.
Whether it’s the full drop-down door or the ‘pencil-proof grilles,’ the DeepClean LST Radiator boasts advantages for the user. Combined with its BioCote® anti-microbial technology and optional rotatory valve kits, these make for the perfect solution for hygiene control.
Get in touch today and book a free consultation with one of our heating experts to discuss anti-ligature heating solutions for your facilities.