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Posted By Crim
Simple question - what temperature should hot water be set to in a construction site welfare hand/face wash facility?
Thanks
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Posted By Chris Packham
Two different temperatures apply.
Firstly, the water in the pipe system must be hot enough to prevent legionella. However, the temperature for hand washing should be less than 40 deg. C. Anything over this damages the lamellar layer in the stratum corneum, significantly reducing the skin's barrier properties, possibly for several hours. This increases the risk of both irritant and allergic skin problems as well as enhancing the potential for penetration by bacteria, viruses etc.
Ideally this means some form of preset thermostatic mixer valve and a single tap delivering the water at the correct temperature.
From a dermatological viewpoint it is better to wash in cold than too hot water.
Chris
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Posted By Sharon
Crim,
Hot water should ideally be 50oC
Cold water should be below 20oC
And as Chris has said: "Ideally this means some form of preset thermostatic mixer valve and a single tap delivering the water at the correct temperature."
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Posted By Bob Thompson CMIOSH
Hi Crim hope you are well? the Hella on hot water states that water for total immersion should be a maximum of 43 degrees, this obviously refers to baths and showers but if it is ok for total immersion then It would be reasonable to assume that it is ok for immersing only the hands.
Regards Bob
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Posted By Chris Packham
Bob
I have an unpublished study by Emilson, Lindberg and Forslind of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, which looked at penetration rates of sodium lauryl sulphate (found in many hand cleansers, cleaning products, etc.) through skin at different temperatures. This showed that at a temperature of 40 deg C the penetration rate was three times that at 32 deg C. Their conclusion was that water temperature for hand washing should be kept below 40 deg, the ideal being 32 deg C. This is particularly important where skin has been damaged (possibly sub-clinically, i.e. invisibly) from exposure to detergents, water, solvents, etc.
Chris
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Posted By Crim
Thanks all - the mind does boggle!
I think I'll go for 40 degrees if the plumber can do it.
many thanks
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