Even with electronic water temperature control, an argument for mixing valves

I caught wind of an organization that uses an electronic water temperature control system that keeps the water temp at 110° F. There’s been some pushback from facilities folks about whether they still need to install a mixing valve.

I would suggest that if the organization has a risk assessment finding that indicates a mixing valve is not necessary, then things are going in the right direction (ultimately, the documented risk assessment is the key).

However, the ANSI definition of tepid water for eyewash stations and emergency showers indicates a range of 65° F to 90° F, which 110° F exceeds. Now it may be that the temperature of the delivered flushing liquid is within that range, which means the hospital is fine without a mixing valve, but it would need to periodically check that temperature (it can be a sample).

The other thing to do is to check the MSDSs for stuff used in house and identify whether a temperature of 110° F would result in an exacerbated effect on a chemical exposure or even flushing temperatures for eyewashes.

I recognize this is nothing but a big pain in the tuchus, but it is the organization’s responsibility to make sure it is adequately prepared to manage an accidental chemical release. Just ask OSHA.