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Specifying XLERATOR hand dryers helps hospitals save money, reduce their carbon footprint and improve restroom hygiene. XLERATOR® Delivers Rx for Hygiene and Maintenance Issues " As washrooms are renovated, we're installing equipment and materials that are much easier to maintain, have longer life spans and keep the restrooms sanitary… We look at this product like it was tailor-made for us." - David Stout, Director of Facilities Engineering, Northwestern Memorial Hospital Contact us to request the full Northwestern Memorial Hospital Case Study 888.351.2877 exceldryer.com sales@exceldryer.com Domestic water systems Certain states may also restrict the use of materials, such as PVC or PEX, when used with domestic water. Be familiar with which materials are approved for plumbing design in your state. It is also important to keep in mind that there are many kinds of sinks in healthcare facilities. Each may require its own set of plumbing design standards. A clinic sink is designed primarily to receive waste from bedpans and must have the capability to wash and fl ush. A hand-washing sink has a water supply spout mounted so the discharge point is at least 5 inches above the fi xture rim. It must be equipped with hot and cold water supply controls not requiring direct contact with hands for operation. The fi xture cannot be equipped with an aerator. In some states, domestic hot water dis- tribution systems for healthcare facilities must be supported by at least two pieces of hot water heating equipment (for redun- dancy requirements) to ensure an adequate supply of hot water for hand-washing and patient bathing. The temperature must be regulated to deliver hot water at a mini- mum of 105 F and a maximum of 120 F. In addition, hospitals must be prepared to support a 72-hour water supply in case of emergency. The total amount of water needed is based on gallons per licensed bed for a period of 72 hours. Sustainability Although patient safety will always be the top priority in hospital restroom design, it is important to note that programs like LEED for Healthcare and the Green Guide for Healthcare are making it easier for hospital facility managers to keep water conservation in mind. Sustainability features, such as auto- matic fl ushing toilets, save water and help prevent the spread of infection by eliminat- ing the need for human touch. Pay careful attention to specifi c code requirements, however. Some fi xtures, such as waterless urinals, may be prohibited in a healthcare environment; be sure to check with state- specifi c guidelines. Medical gas and vacuum systems Though not typically appearing in a restroom facility, medical gas and vacuum systems are also an important part of any hospital location. Chapter 13 of the uniform plumbing code, along with NFPA 99 Code, 2012 edition, can be applied in the design and equipment selection for these systems, including those used for oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. In addition to the supply side, attention should be given to waste anesthetic gas disposal. The code also includes further information about testing and maintenance requirements for such systems. Plumbing systems are the backbone of any healthcare facility. Restrooms in particular hold many challenges and op- portunities for ensuring patient safety and well-being. The above are just a few ex- amples of the ways design codes are allow- ing the industry to support patient welfare through sound design decisions. Ronaldo Magno is project manager and senior plumbing design engineer at P2S Engineering, Inc. Spotlight healthcare restrooms light Spotlight MCDM AG.COM | M AY/ J U N E 2015 | Medical Construction & Design 25