GB2428196A

GB2428196A - Washing station

Info

Publication number: GB2428196A
Application number: GB0501666A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Hatton Douglas; Victor John Pritchard
Original assignee: DEVITTO Ltd; W I S E TECH Ltd
Current assignee: DEVITTO LIMITED
Priority date: 2005-01-27
Filing date: 2005-01-27
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Also published as: GB0501666D0

Abstract

A washing station and method of sterilising washing stations is disclosed. It is important that washing stations and the water delivered to washing stations are both maintained sterile to prevent the washing stations from becoming central points of infection. A washing station 10, such as a sink or washbasin comprises a cover 40 which can be moved between first and second positions, and used in conjunction with steriliser 50 to sterilise a clean water delivery means 20, such as a tap and a waste water disposal means 30, such as the plug hole of the sink. The steriliser may be a UV light source, a distributor of a chemical sterilising compound or a means for delivering steam. Water delivered from the clean water delivery means may be heated in first and second boilers (110, 120, Fig. 3) with a heat exchanger (130, Fig. 3) used to cool water to a delivery temperature. Also claimed is a towel disposal bin comprising a internal and external temperature sensors, a level sensor to detect the height of the contents of the bin, and an alarm system to generate a warning based on the output of the sensors.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Washing Stations

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to washing stations, to methods of sterilising washing stations, to water preparation apparatus for use in washing stations, and to methods of preparing water at a washing station.

Background to the Invention

Bacteria resistant to antibiotics are increasingly common, and the presence of such bacteria in hospitals can present a risk to certain patients. Rigorous adherence to hygiene best-practices, e.g. proper hand washing by hospital staff, can reduce the risk of transferring bacteria to patients. However, it is difficult to ensure that stipulated best practices are adhered to by staff, and there may not be an obvious direct link between incidence of patient infection and non-adherence to hygiene best practices.

It is desirable that water used at washing stations is free from waterborne bacteria. Although mains water treatment processes eliminate most waterborne bacteria, subsequent heating, storage and distribution of water in hospitals or other large buildings may allow bacteria to build up prior to delivery of water at a washing station.

Also, a washing station used by many different staff members risks becoming a central point of infection at which bacteria can be transferred to the staff and then on to patients, so it is desirable that washing stations themselves are regularly and effectively cleaned.

However, as with hand washing it is difficult to ensure that stipulated best practices for cleaning of washing stations are adhered to by staff, and there may not be an obvious direct link between incidence of patient infection and non-adherence to hygiene best practices in this area.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to address the problems of delivery of sterile water at washing stations, and the possibility of washing stations becoming central points of infection.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a washing station comprising a clean water delivery means, a waste water disposal means, a cover movable between a first position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are uncovered and a second position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are covered, and a sterilizer to in use sterilise the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means when the cover is in the second position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sterilising a washing station comprising a clean water delivery means, a waste water disposal means, a cover movable between a first position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are uncovered and a second position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are covered, and a sterilizer; the method comprising moving the cover to the second position and activating the sterilizer.

Suitably, the clean water delivery means comprises a tap.

Suitably, the waste water disposal means comprises a sink.

Suitably, the waste water disposal means is coupled to plumbing to carry away water delivered from the clean water delivery means.

Suitably, the sterilizer comprises one or more apparatus selected from a group comprising: a UV light source, a distributor of a chemical sterilising compound, and a steam delivery means.

Suitably, in the second position the cover is arranged to enclose the clean water delivery means and waste water disposal means and separate the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means from their surroundings. Suitably, the washing station comprises a main body in which the cover resides in the first position, and from which the cover extends in the second position. Suitably, the cover slides between the first and second positions.

Suitably, the cover is coupled to an actuator that is arranged to move the cover between the first and second positions. Suitably, the washing station comprises a timer arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover between the first and second positions at predetermined intervals, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer when the cover is in the second position. Suitably, the timer is arranged to deactivate the sterilizer, and to cause the actuator to move the cover between the second and first positions when the sterilizer has been deactivated. Suitably, the washing station comprises a cut out switch that deactivates the sterilizer if the cover moves from the second position to the first position. Suitably, the washing station comprises a locking means to inhibit movement of the cover from the second position to the first position during the time between activation and deactivation of the sterilizer.

Suitably, the washing station comprises a switch arranged to activate the actuator and the sterilizer in response to a user input. Suitably, the washing station comprises a counter that is responsive to washing operations taking place, and the counter is arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover between the first and second positions, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer when the cover is in the second position after a predetermined number of washing operations has taken place.

Suitably, the washing station further comprises data recording apparatus to log one or more of: the times of activation of the sterilizer; the number of operations of the sterilizer; and the cause of operations of the sterilizer.

Suitably, the washing station comprises a safety sensor that is arranged to inhibit the operation of the actuator if a body is sensed in the path of the cover as it is moving between the first and second positions.

Suitably, the washing station comprises a warning means arranged to activate before the cover moved between the first and second position, and/or before the cover is moved between the second and first position. Suitably, the warning means comprises one or more of: a warning light; an audible warning alarm; and a recorded voice warning message.

Suitably, the washing station comprises a countdown indicator arranged to indicate on activation of the sterilizer the remaining time before deactivation of the sterilizer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a water preparation apparatus for use in a washing station, the apparatus comprising an input to in use receive water; a first boiler to in use heat water to a first sterilizing temperature and coupled to a second boiler to in use heat the water to a second sterilizing temperature that is higher than the first sterilizing temperature; a heat exchanger coupled to the second boiler to cool the water to a delivery temperature; and a water delivery means for passing the cooled water to a washing station.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of preparing water at a washing station, the method comprising the steps of receiving water at an input; heating the received water in a first boiler to a first sterilizing temperature; heating the water in a second boiler to a second sterilizing temperature that is higher than the first sterilizing temperature; cooling the water to a delivery temperature in a heat exchanger; and passing the cooled water to a water delivery means at a washing station.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a washing station comprising the water preparation apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention.

Suitably, the water received at the input is received from a mains supply.

Suitably, water received at the input is used to cool the water in the heat exchanger. Suitably, some or all of the water used to cool the water in the heat exchanger is passed to the first boiler for heating. Suitably any of the water used to cool the water in the heat exchanger not required for heating in the heat exchanger is discharged to waste.

Suitably, the method further comprises the step of filtering the water received at the input. Suitably, the step of filtering the water is the first step in the method. Suitably, the filter used in the step of filtering the water is a replaceable filter.

Suitably, the method comprises a further step of irradiating the water with UV light. Suitably, the step of irradiating the water with UV light is performed directly before the step of heating the water in the first boiler.

Suitably, the passage of water into any one or more of the first boiler, second boiler, heat exchanger and water delivery means can be regulated by control valves.

Suitably, the or each control valve is coupled to a controller, the controller arranged to regulate the passage of water through the control valves dependent on user demand for water at the output. Suitably, the controller is arranged to be responsive to temperature sensors at one or more of the first boiler, the second boiler and the heat exchanger to regulate passage of water through the control valves dependent on user demand for water at the output and the sensed temperature at one or more of the first boiler, the second boiler and the heat exchanger.

Suitably, the delivery temperature is about 30 C.

Suitably, the first sterilizing temperature is about 105 C. Suitably, the second sterilizing temperature is about 150 C.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a towel disposal bin comprising an internal temperature sensor.

Suitably, the towel disposal bin further comprises a lid.

Suitably, the towel disposal bin further comprises an external temperature sensor.

Suitably, the towel disposal bin comprises a controller arranged to monitor the temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor and generate an alarm condition if an abnormally elevated temperature is detected. Suitably, the controller uses one or more of: expected internal temperature range; increased previous internal temperature range; and measured external temperature range in the assessment of whether a temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor is abnormally elevated.

Suitably, the towel disposal bin further comprises a level sensor arranged to detect the height of the contents of the bin. Suitably, the level sensor is arranged to generate a warning if the detected height equals or exceeds a predetermined level.

Brief Introduction to the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a washing station according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention with the cover in the first position; Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the washing station of Figure 2 with the cover in the second position; and Figure 3 shows schematic view of a water preparation apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a washing station 10 intended to be used by hospital staff or visitor for hand washing. The washing station 10 comprises a clean water delivery means 20, a waste water disposal means 30 and a cover 40. In Figure 1 the cover 4 is not visible, as it is at a first position in which the clean water delivery means 20 and the waste water disposal means are uncovered 30. The cover resides in a main body 12 of the washing station 10 in the first position. The washing station 10 further comprises a sterilizer 50 which is used to sterilise the clean water delivery means 20 and the waste water disposal means 30.

The sterilizer 50 comprises a high intensity ultra violet (UV) light source. To ensure that UV light from the sterilizer does not irradiate the area around the washing station 10 the cover 40 is substantially non-transmissive to ISV light, and is moved from the first position to a second, covering position as shown in Figure 2 before the sterilizer is activated. When arranged in the second position the cover 40 encloses the clean water delivery means 20 and the waste water disposal means 30, isolating them from their surroundings. In the second position the cover 40 extends from the main body 12 of the washing station 10.

When the cover 40 is arranged in the second position the sterilizer 50 can be activated, irradiating the clean water delivery means 20 and the waste water disposal means with UV light. The ISV light from the sterilizer 50 kills bacteria present under the cover 40 on the clean water delivery means 20, on the waste water disposal means 30, and on the inside of the cover 40 itself.

The clean water delivery means 20 comprises a tap, in the embodiment of Figure 1 an automatically controlled tap.

The waste water disposal means 30 comprises a sink 32 coupled to plumbing 34 to carry away water delivered from the clean water delivery means 20.

The cover 40 is coupled to an actuator (not shown) that is arranged to move the cover 40 between the first and second positions by sliding.

The operation of the washing station 10, in particular the use of the sterilizer 50 will now be described in more detail.

The washing station 10 comprises a timer (not shown) arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover 40 between the first and second positions at predetermined intervals, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer when the cover is in the second position. After a predetermined period of activation of the sterilizer the timer is arranged to deactivate the sterilizer, and to cause the actuator to move the cover 40 between the second and first position. In this way the clean water delivery means 20 and the waste water disposal means 30 can be sterilized at predetermined intervals to minimise the risk of bacteria accumulating at the washing station 10, and thereby minimise the risk of staff using the washing station 10 acquiring bacteria during use of the washing station 10.

Staff may whish to use the washing station 10 for hand washing during the time in which the sterilizer 50 is in operation. To reduce inconvenience and frustration the washing station comprises a countdown indicator 62 arranged to indicate on activation of the sterilizer 50 the remaining time before deactivation of the sterilizer 50.

As a safety precaution the washing station 10 comprises a cut out switch that deactivates the sterilizer 50 if the cover 40 is moved from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, or in addition the washing station 10 may comprise a locking means to inhibit movement of the cover 40 from the second position to the first position during the time between activation and deactivation of the sterilizer 50.

A safety sensor can be provided in the main body 12, and arranged to inhibit the operation of the actuator if a blockage is sensed in the path of the cover as it is moving or about to move from the first position to the second position. Alternatively, or in addition a warning means 60 can be provided and arranged to activate before the cover moved between the first and second position, and/or before the cover is moved between the second and first position. The warning means 60 comprises a warning light and a warning message on a display, and an audible recorded voice message.

If it is observed that the washing station 10 becomes contaminated between the predetermined sterilizing times, the washing station 10 is provided with a switch 14, preferably an infra-red, optical or other non- contact switch arranged to activate the actuator and the sterilizer 50 in response to a user input.

As well as or as an alternative to sterilizing at predetermined times, the washing station 10 further comprises a counter that is responsive to hand washing operations taking place. The counter is arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover 40 between the first and second positions, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer 50 when the cover 40 is in the second position after a predetermined number of hand washing operations has taken place. The counter is triggered by a radio frequency identification tag known as a smart tag that is carried by each user and read by a reader 16. The response of the reader 16 to a radio frequency identification tag also triggers commencement of a washing operation, after which dispensing of water from the clean water dispensing means, liquid soap from a liquid soap dispenser 80 and disposable towels from a towel dispenser 70 can be performed in a predetermined sequence. In preferred embodiments the washing station further comprises a cleanliness detector 90 arranged to detect a disclosing agent contained in liquid soap from the liquid soap dispenser 80. The sensor 90 will only indicate that a successful hand washing operation has taken place if it detects below a threshold level of disclosing agent present on washed hands.

To allow managers of the facility in which the washing station 10 is installed to monitor the operation of the washing station 10, the washing station 10 comprises data recording apparatus to log one or more of: the times of activation of the sterilizer; the number of operations of the sterilizer; and the cause of operations of the sterilizer. The data recording apparatus can output information to the warning means 60, or to a computer either wirelessly or through a wired connection.

Figure 3 shows a water preparation apparatus 100 for use in the washing station 10, or as a stand-alone device for supplying pure, sterilised water. The water preparation apparatus comprises an input 101 to in use receive water; a first boiler 110 to in use heat water to a first sterilizing temperature and having an output coupled to a second boiler 120. The second boiler 120 heats the water to a second, higher, sterilizing temperature. A heat exchanger 130 is coupled to an output of the second boiler 120 to cool the water to a delivery temperature. After leaving the heat exchanger 130 the water is passed to the clean water delivery means of the washing station 10. The delivery temperature is about 30 C. The first sterilizing temperature is about 105 C. The second sterilizing temperature is about 150 C.

Water received at the input 101 is first filtered at a replaceable filter 102. After filtration the water is irradiated with UV light from the sterilizer 50.

The passage of water into the first boiler 110, second boiler 120, heat exchanger 130 and clean water delivery means 20 is regulated by control valves 111. Each control valve 111 is coupled to a controller 140 arranged to regulate the passage of water through the control valves 111 dependent on user demand for water. The controller is arranged to be responsive to temperature sensors 112 at each of the first boiler 110, the second boiler 120 and the heat exchanger 130 to regulate passage of water through the control valves 111 dependent also on the sensed temperatures. The controller 120 can communicate with the washing station over a bus 150.

To increase the overall thermal efficiency, mains cooling water supplied to the heat exchanger 130 can be passed to the inlet 101. Any excess cooling water not required at the inlet 101 can drain to waste. The controller 120 can regulate the flow of cooling water into the heat exchanger and therefrom to the inlet 101 according to demand for sterilized water at the clean water delivery means 20.

In this way, particulate material in the water is removed, living organisms in the water are killed by the UV light from the sterilizer, and the double boiling of the water at progressively higher temperatures further serves to eliminate bacterial or other infection in the water delivered.

Although the sterilizer 50 has been described as a TJV light source, other sterilizers, e.g. distributors of chemical sterilising compounds, and/or a steam delivery means can be used in addition, or as an alternative, with suitable alterations to the cover 40.

To further aid good hygiene at the washing station 10, a towel disposal bin can be provided to receive and contain used towels from the towel dispenser 70. The towel disposal bin may contain an optical or other level sensor arrangement to detect the height of the waste towels contained therein.

In addition to the level sensor the bin may contain a temperature sensor. An increase in the temperature inside the bin above that expected from sensed external conditions or other predetermined conditions may indicate that the bin contains amounts of mould and/or bacterial growth and therefore requires emptying to prevent the infected contents spreading. Information from the towel disposal bin sensors can be passed to the washing station or otherwise used to generate an alert indicating that the bin requires emptying.

The washing station is suitable for use in hospitals or other environments where hygiene is important, e.g. kitchens or industrial food preparation areas. The washing station offers hygiene advantages.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment Cs) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims: 1. A washing station comprising a clean water delivery means, a

waste water disposal means, a cover movable between a first position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are uncovered and a second position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are covered, and a sterilizer to in use sterilise the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means when the cover is in the second position.
2. A washing station according to claim 1, wherein the clean water delivery means comprises a tap.
3. A washing station according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waste water disposal means comprises a sink.
4. A washing station according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the waste water disposal means is coupled to plumbing to carry away water delivered from the clean water delivery means.
5. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein the sterilizer comprises one or more apparatus selected from a group comprising: a UV light source, a distributor of a chemical sterilising compound, and a steam delivery means.
6. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein in the second position the cover is arranged to enclose the clean water delivery means and waste water disposal means and separate the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means from their surroundings.
7. The washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a main body in which the cover resides in the first position, and from which the cover extends in the second position.
8. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover slides between the first and second positions.
9. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover is coupled to an actuator that is arranged to move the cover between the first and second positions.
10. A washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a timer arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover between the first and second positions at predetermined intervals, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer when the cover is in the second position.
11. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein the timer is arranged to deactivate the sterilizer, and to cause the actuator to move the cover between the second and first positions when the sterilizer has been deactivated.
12. A washing station according to any preceding claim, wherein the washing station comprises a cut out switch that deactivates the sterilizer if the cover moves from the second position to the first position.
13. A washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a locking means to inhibit movement of the cover from the second position to the first position during the time between activation and deactivation of the sterilizer.
14. A washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a switch arranged to activate the actuator and the sterilizer in response to a user input.
15. A washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a counter that is responsive to washing operations taking place.
16. A washing station according to claim 15 as dependent on claim 9, wherein the counter is arranged to activate the actuator to move the cover between the first and second positions, and further arranged to activate the sterilizer when the cover is in the second position after a predetermined number of washing operations has taken place.
17. A washing station according to any preceding claim, further comprising data recording apparatus to log one or more of: the times of activation of the sterilizer; the number of operations of the sterilizer; and the cause of operations of the sterilizer.
18. A washing station according to any preceding claim as dependent on claim 9, comprising a safety sensor arranged to inhibit the operation of the actuator if a body is sensed in the path of the cover as it is moving between the first and second positions.
19. A washing station according to any preceding claim as dependent on claim 9, comprising a warning means arranged to activate before the cover moved between the first and second position, and/or before the cover is moved between the second and first position.
20. A washing station according to claim 19, wherein the warning means comprises one or more of: a warning light; an audible warning alarm; and a recorded voice warning message.
21. A washing station according to any preceding claim, comprising a countdown indicator arranged to indicate on activation of the sterilizer the remaining time before deactivation of the sterilizer.
22. A method of sterilising a washing station comprising a clean water delivery means, a waste water disposal means, a cover movable between a first position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are uncovered and a second position in which the clean water delivery means and the waste water disposal means are covered, and a sterilizer; the method comprising moving the cover to the second position and activating the sterilizer.
23. A water preparation apparatus for use in a washing station, the apparatus comprising an input to in use receive water; a first boiler to in use heat water to a first sterilizing temperature and coupled to a second boiler to in use heat the water to a second sterilizing temperature that is higher than the first sterilizing temperature; a heat exchanger coupled to the second boiler to cool the water to a delivery temperature; and a water delivery means for passing the cooled water to a washing station.
24. A washing station comprising the water preparation apparatus of claim 23.
25. A method of preparing water at a washing station, the method comprising the steps of receiving water at an input; heating the received water in a first boiler to a first sterilizing temperature; heating the water in a second boiler to a second sterilizing temperature that is higher than the first sterilizing temperature; cooling the water to a delivery temperature in a heat exchanger; and passing the cooled water to a water delivery means at a washing station.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the water received at the input is received from a mains supply.
27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein water received at the input is used to cool the water in the heat exchanger.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein some or all of the water used to cool the water in the heat exchanger is passed to the first boiler for heating.
29. The method of claim 27 or 28 wherein any of the water used to cool the water in the heat exchanger not required for heating in the heat exchanger is discharged to waste.
30. The method of any one of claims 25-29, further comprising the step of filtering the water received at the input.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein step of filtering the water is the first step in the method.
32. The method of claim 30 or 31, wherein the filter used in the step of filtering the water is a replaceable filter.
33. The method of any one of claims 25-32 comprising a further step of irradiating the water with UV light.
34. The method of claim 33 step of irradiating the water with UV light is performed directly before the step of heating the water in the first boiler.
35. The method of any one of claims 25-34, wherein the passage of water into any one or more of the first boiler, second boiler, heat exchanger and water delivery means can be regulated by control valves.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the or each control valve is coupled to a controller, the controller arranged to regulate the passage of water through the control valves dependent on user demand for water at the output.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the controller is arranged to be responsive to temperature sensors at one or more of the first boiler, the second boiler and the heat exchanger to regulate passage of water through the control valves dependent on user demand for water at the output and the sensed temperature at one or more of the first boiler, the second boiler and the heat exchanger.
38. The method of any one of claims 25-37, wherein the delivery temperature is about 3000.
39. The method of any one of claims 25-38, wherein the first sterilizing temperature is about 105 C.
40. The method of any one of claims 25-39, wherein the second sterilizing temperature is about 150 C.
41. A towel disposal bin comprising an internal temperature sensor.
42. The towel disposal bin of claim 41, further comprising a lid.
43. The towel disposal bin of claim 41 or 42, further comprising an external temperature sensor.
44. The towel disposal bin of any one of claims 41-43 comprising a controller arranged to monitor the temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor and generate an alarm condition if an abnormally elevated temperature is detected.
45. The towel disposal bin of claim 44, wherein the controller uses one or more of: expected internal temperature range; increased previous internal temperature range; and measured external temperature range in the assessment of whether a temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor is abnormally elevated.
46. The towel disposal bin of any one of claims 41-45, further comprising a level sensor arranged to detect the height of the contents of the bin.
47. The towel disposal bin of claim 46, wherein level sensor is arranged to generate a warning if the detected height equals or exceeds a predetermined level.
48. A washing station substantially as herein described.
49. A washing station substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
50. A method of sterilising a washing station substantially as herein described.
51. A water preparation apparatus substantially as herein described.
52. A water preparation apparatus substantially as herein described, with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
53. A method of preparing water at a washing station, substantially as herein described.
54. A towel bin substantially as herein described.