Richard Braid, managing director at Pendock, explains how low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards can help care homes manage the risk of burns from radiators.
Many of the radiators fitted in UK care homes will be operating at temperatures that can pose a burn risk. Care home residents can come into prolonged contact with radiators, for example if they fall and are unable to move or call for help. In addition, some people can’t recognise or react to hot surfaces, either because their sensitivity to temperature is impaired, or their mental state prevents them from doing so. It’s therefore essential for care home managers to control the risks.
According to HSE information on hot water and surfaces in health and social care, contact with surfaces above 43°C can lead to serious injury, and particular care needs to be taken where water temperatures are circulated above 50°C to control legionella. NHS Estates guidance for safe hot water and surface temperatures recommends that surface temperatures should not exceed 43°C.
Low surface temperature (LST) radiator guards can help to protect vulnerable people, and are typically installed in care homes, as well as sheltered housing, schools and hospitals. Manufactured in Britain, Pendock’s LST radiator guards are reliable, effective and affordable. We can produce radiator guards in any colour, shape or size.
Where guaranteed temperature control is required, a baffle can be fitted below the radiator grill, enabling compliance with NHS Estates guidelines. Guards with this feature have been tested and approved by the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA).
‘Bullnose’ corners are an option, providing an extra level of safety for residents at particular risk of falling, or of self-harm. A model with a sloping top panel is also available. In addition, all Pendock radiator guards can be fitted with a welded anti-ligature mesh, which sits behind the radiator grille, removing ligature points.
We take an uncompromising approach to the design and manufacture of LST radiator guards, combining our 30 years of experience with innovation and the adoption of new technologies. One example is the inclusion of an antibacterial coating to kill MRSA, Salmonella, E. coli and C. difficile; this added protection is a standard feature of all Pendock radiator guards.
Our products are available with skirting cut outs and valve access panels, with no on-site cutting required, speeding up installation time and minimising disruption to care home residents and staff. The Plus models include a drop-down lockable panel to allow for regular routine cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
Pendock also manufacturers pipe boxing to cover heating services, water supply pipework, soil and waste pipes and cabling, and we offer site visits and assistance with overall project design.
