To protect both the occupants and surroundings in healthcare settings, the design, construction and operation of plumbing systems must meet specific criteria as identified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Precision, safety and compliance are non-negotiable factors to protect against infectious diseases, imbalances in temperature, and catastrophic plumbing failures in healthcare orientated environments.
The CSA Z317.1:21 standard outlines critical requirements — especially in areas like hot water management and fixture design — to ensure safety and functionality in patient care spaces. Below, we look at various clauses within the Standard for healthcare plumbing components and some of the specially engineered products designed to meet the code.
Section 6.3.3.2 — Safe, stable hot-water delivery
Patient safety begins with consistent water temperatures, and fluctuating hot water creates a serious risk of burns and scalds in care settings. Additionally, insufficient water temperatures can create conditions which encourage bacteria such as Legionella to prosper, leading to a potential risk of Legionnaire’s Disease. Lawler’s custom-built mixing valve piping systems are engineered for CSA compliance. With real-world reliability, Lawler turns a code requirement into a plug-and-play risk-mitigation package featuring:
- Precise ±1 °C control across the full demand curve
- Factory-skidded, pre-tested manifolds sized for any wing or entire facility
- Integrated digital monitoring & failsafe shut-off that satisfies the continuous-temperature-monitoring language of 6.3.3.2
Section 8 — Fixtures & fittings for hygiene, flow control and maintainability
CSA Z317.1:21 Section 8 outlines the specific requirements for plumbing fixtures and fittings in healthcare facilities. Focused on hygiene, safety, and performance, these standards are essential for engineers designing compliant and future-ready systems.
8.3 – Hands-Free Operation: Minimize touchpoints and Maximize safety
Sensor-operated faucets enhance hygiene control by reducing the spread of germs through touchless operation. They also reduce risk of cross-contamination on surfaces, and conserve water by enabling automatic faucet turn-off and water flow optimization.
Chicago Faucets offers a full range of sensor-operated faucets designed for infection control and are distributed exclusively in Canada through Dobbin Sales. Model H-G61K-75ABCPT boasts the following features:
- Emergency Backup Power System (EBPS) to maintain operation during outages
- Built-in laminar flow control at the spout base
- Programmable settings for hygiene flush and application-specific modes
- This product is Ideal for hand hygiene stations and patient zones
- ASSE 1070 Scald Protection
8.5 – Tempered Water at the Point of Use
Water delivered to fixtures in patient zones must not exceed 43°C (or 38°C in certain applications) to prevent scalding. According to the Canadian Safety Council, water at a temperature of 60°C can cause third-degree burns in most adults in just six seconds, highlighting the importance of acceptable water temperature for patient use. Chicago Faucets offers point-of-use thermostatic mixing and faucet-integrated TMV options to maintain safe temperatures even during system fluctuations.
8.6 – Flow Control
Maintaining effective hand hygiene while conserving water is a key balance.
Chicago’s sensor faucets include adjustable, field-serviceable flow control components to meet 1.9 L/min requirements without sacrificing usability.
8.7 – Sink Design for Hygiene and Durability
Splashing from sinks and drain can spread the risk of accidental pathogen exposure. Healthcare facilities must select sinks which resist corrosion, minimize splash, and be easy to maintain.
Sloan’s EHS-1000 Stainless Steel Sink meets these requirements with:
- 14-gauge Type 304 stainless steel construction
- Raised outer rim to prevent water from dripping onto floors
- Angled front corners for user safety
- Factory pre-plumbed configuration for efficient installation
- Pair with Sloan Optima hands-free faucets for a complete hygienic package
8.8 – Emergency Eyewash Stations
The first 15 seconds following exposure to a hazardous substance are crucial. Especially when the exposure is to a corrosive product, delaying treatment can exacerbate an injury. Emergency showers and eyewash stations offer immediate decontamination, enabling workers to quickly rinse off harmful substances that could cause significant damage. Facilities must provide accessible, immediate-use eyewashes in appropriate locations.
Guardian Safety Equipment offers a full line of eyewash stations that meet a range of applications, featuring:
- Wall-mounted, recessed, countertop, and pedestal models
- Stainless steel or plastic heads
- Manual, foot, or combination-activated options
- Models available with alarms, tempering valves, and ADA-compliant features
Model GBF1735DP from Guardian is a product highly recommended by Dobbin Sales. This model includes a polished, stainless finish which is easy to clean and resistant to contaminants, and a fast-draining design.
Dobbin Sales represent industry-leading manufacturers who deliver solutions that meet the demands of healthcare facilities in ensuring compliance with CSA-Z317.1:21.
Ready to simplify compliance?
Speak with the Dobbin Sales Team for CSA-Z317.1:21 specification guides, project selection and further details.
☎ 1-800-565-8515 | 📧 [email protected] | www.dobbinsales.com
Lawler, Chicago Faucets, Guardian and Sloan products are distributed exclusively in Canada by Dobbin Sales.
