Low Surface Temperature Radiators, or LSTs as they are commonly referred, are especially designed radiators that don’t exceed a surface temperature of 43°C. LSTs are typically specified in environments where safety is a priority, as they comply with NHS Estates Health Guidance Notes 1998, which states that Contact with surfaces above 43 °C can lead to serious injury. With their robust design and efficient internal heat emitter, they are becoming a preferred choice within educational and care-related environments.
LSTs are designed to provide a physical barrier between the heat emitter and the user, and in many cases, will cover any incoming pipework, concealing all exposed surfaces.
This post sets out to explore the key characteristics of an LST radiator and how they can provide safety for users in a range of environments.
Read on to find out more…
LSTs are often found in settings used by vulnerable individuals. These include:
However, LSTs aren’t just limited to these types of environment. Public spaces, such as shops, libraries and showrooms would all benefit from the safety LSTS radiator can bring. When working within public spaces, designers and specifiers should consider that the ‘end user’ could be vulnerable/susceptible to injury through contact with hot surfaces.
According to the annual Leisure Accident Surveillance System: (funded by the Department of Trade and Industry and managed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
In 2010, 1,970 people were injured in a public building by either a radiator or hot pipework over a 12-month period, while 71% of these accidents occurred in a place of education and all were serious enough to warrant a hospital visit. Source.
Although this statistic is dated, it gives you some idea as to why LST radiators are often specified in public buildings.
*Each individual mental health ward is different, with a complex range of needs. For this reason, an anti-ligature radiator may be a more appropriate choice.
When you choose to specify an LST radiator, the main driver is, of course, the fact that it provides a low surface temperature. However, we recommend that specifiers seek additional characteristics that provide extra elements of safety to the end user.
Firstly, specifiers should seek to source an LST that is made from robust material, such as 1.5mm Zintec steel, with the option of increasing this in more demanding environments
Secondly, we recommend that specifiers closely consider the grille design. Wide grilles may pose a series of risks to the user (such as catching fingers or items of clothing), leading to a range of potential hazards. A wide grille design also makes the radiator vulnerable to items being pushed through. This is both a hygiene risk and will damage the internal parts of the radiator over time.
Thirdly, some LST radiators have anti-microbial properties incorporated into the paintwork. Certain anti-microbial solutions, such as BioCote, has the ability to combat a wide range of dangerous bacteria, including MRSA and E.coli.
LST radiators are low surface temperature heating solutions that offer safer methods of temperature management for specific environments.
Contour LST radiators are designed on a bespoke basis in line with the needs of the customer. This means that they will always be the ideal solution no matter what the requirements of the space.
No matter what your requirement for safe, low surface temperature radiators, Contour Heating can work alongside you to create it.
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UPDATED: This blog post about LST radiators was updated in March 2020 to reflect more information and latest pictures.
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities, design consultants and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combine an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regard us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour have a quality- first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
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