Context

This East Midlands hospital wanted to replace its outdated and potentially dangerous perimeter heating covers. They were replaced with DeepClean™ radiators from Contour Heating in a modular radiator cover design.

Requirements

The existing radiators were outdated and worn out because dust had gathered inside them and was trapped inside the fins. The hospital needed to ensure easy access for cleaning and maintenance to the heat exchangers underneath to properly clean inside.

Another challenge this hospital faced was the need for small grilles to minimise spillages and small items getting stuck inside the radiators. The hospital wanted the radiator covers to have a sloping top design so there are fewer risk spillages from the top, and so that the radiator covers could be wiped down easily.

Solution

Contour visited the hospital and conducted a survey. The walls in the hospital were not straight, so it was essential to discuss a bespoke solution to fit.

Contour also utilised a modular design that its DeepClean™ radiator covers offer.

Another design consideration was the grilles; they were made to be pencil-proof to not allow large items to pass through. The grilles were made to be on the front cover of the DeepClean™ low surface temperature (LST) radiator covers; this was done to reduce any accidental spillages from the top. The grille design is small in diameter with a 5.5mm-wide radius grille. The radius grille design makes it easier to clean due to it being a flat surface.

The DeepClean™ LST radiator guards are built using a patented, quick-release hinged door. This allows the front of the casing to be laid flat on the floor to provide easy access for cleaning. They also have a sloping top, which meant that nothing is rested on top that might increase the risk of spreading infection.

As standard, most of Contour’s LST radiators come with BioCote® protection. This unique powder coating can help combat a range of dangerous bacteria such as MRSA and E.coli, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Outcome

The hospital transformed its previous heating to a safer heating solution, with better access for cleaning and maintenance to help keep infections down.

Pencil-proof grilles were made for the front cover of the radiators to allow for a sloping top, which also improved the ease of cleaning.