While students may not consistently wash their hands, many parents have emphasized the importance of hand hygiene since the pandemic began. However, the measures taken to combat germs can inadvertently expose them to another risk.
Hot tap water can be particularly hazardous, especially for younger students. To effectively combat germs, many schools maintain water temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit within their plumbing systems. Such high temperatures can cause scalding within half a second upon contact.
In Grandville, Michigan, the local school system is among the best in the state. Within Grandville’s seventh and eighth-grade middle school, concerns about tap water temperature in the lavatories have emerged as a critical issue.
In line with state and local mandates, schools are transitioning to scald protection products, and Grandville Middle School is among those making this change. To enhance student safety during handwashing, the school has begun installing Chicago Faucets 420 Series faucets.
The 420 Series manual faucet delivers water at a maximum temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. With its rugged design and rigorous testing, this faucet offers ASSE 1070 certified integrated thermostatic protection ensuring safe use every time.
The thermostatic mixing valve in the faucet responds to the water temperature to the 140 degrees Fahrenheit output from the school’s water heater to the tap. If the temperature exceeds the preset limit, the valve closes to restrict water flow, thereby preventing scalding.
The maintenance team has noted additional benefits of the 420 Series faucet’s functionality and appeal:
“The 420 Series faucets are well-built and durable, able to withstand whatever middle school students throw at them,” states Fred Wilks, interim maintenance supervisor for Grandville Middle School.
Chicago Faucets has become the district's preferred choice for lavatories and other plumbing needs. The introduction of the 420 Series made it a simple decision to replace existing faucets with this model. Wilks also appreciates the faucets' aesthetic appeal and straightforward installation, as the elimination of a separate thermostatic valve significantly reduces installation time.
