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| Ten Years of the TMV3 Scheme
The TMV3 Scheme approves Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) against the requirement of NHS Estates Model Engineering Specification D 08. TMV valves are used to control the maximum temperature of hot water from taps and other outlets to prevent scalding. The TMV3 Scheme was set up in cooperation between the NHS, valve manufacturers and WRc. The Scheme now approves over 90 valves from 30 different suppliers. Dr Guy Franklin, Managing Director of WRc-NSF and BuildCert said "The TMV3 Scheme shows that when WRc-NSF, industry and end users work together problem can be solved and, as in this case, serious accidents avoided". He added "I wish the TMV Scheme good luck for the next ten years". A Short History of the TMV3 Scheme A meeting was held on the 10 January 1994 to which manufacturer’s of thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) were invited to discuss the testing of TMV valves in order that they shall be safe for use in healthcare premises. At a subsequent meeting a set of supply conditions was established which could effect the operation of the TMV and compromise the ability of the valve to safely control the temperature of the water. A Sub-Committee was appointed with a brief to produce a document to ensure that Thermostatic Mixing Valves for safe operation in Health Care Premises could be identified and certified. The document was drafted to include “type” testing for Third Party Certification and details of commissioning requirements and in-service testing. It was agreed that the membership of the Sub-Committee should comprise representatives from:
It was agreed that the WRc Evaluation and Testing Centre (WRc-NSF) should, on behalf of NHS Estates and the Thermostatic Mixing Valve manufacturers, operate a Third Party Certification Scheme for the products concerned. The requirements for Type 3 valves to be Third Party Certificated was incorporated in the 1998 Health Guidance Notes revision of Safe Hot Water and Surface Temperatures. In 1997 the first valves were approved as TMV3 valves.
In 2003 the TMV2 Scheme for TMVs complying with EN 1111 and EN 1287 used in non health care premises was launched. 26th of September 2007
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This Year the TMV 3 Scheme celebrates its 10 anniversary.
An initial draft document to be called the “National Health Service Model Engineering Specification “Thermostatic Mixing Valves (Health Care Premises)” was presented.
The Scheme subsequently became part of the BuildCert Scheme. BuildCert is the the product certification arm of WRc-NSF.Last Updated: 30 December 2009 | Page Loaded: | Copyright © WRc-NSF Ltd 2010 |