Dalesdown- TMV Case Study
Dalesdown- TMV Case Study
Protecting Vulnerable People at Dalesdown Residential Conference and Activity Centre
Altecnic Ltd – Dalesdown Residential Conference & Activity Centre, Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Background
Dalesdown Residential Conference and Activity Centre, located in Horsham, West Sussex, is a charity under the umbrella of the Family Foundations Trust (FFT), that provides a safe and supportive environment for a wide range of vulnerable groups. They have 8 acres of ground with views of Chanctonbury Ring and the South Downs, as well as dormitories, conference centre and sports hall. The centre hosts a variety of groups of children and families, including, on occasion, children in foster care, people with disabilities or from challenging backgrounds, making them vulnerable and potentially at increased risk.
Given the nature of its work, Dalesdown places a strong emphasis on health, safety and wellbeing across all areas of its facilities. Safe water temperatures, reliable hygiene standards and the prevention of avoidable risks are essential to ensuring that all visitors can use the centre’s amenities with confidence and dignity.
The Challenge
Dalesdown contacted Altecnic after discovering its products online when searching for plumbing and heating support, which was originally needed to upgrade their heating system. After explaining their need for help, Altecnic was eager to provide immediate, practical, free of charge support during a time of need.
Altecnic technical experts visited the site to assess the extent of the issue. While the initial request related to support with the heating system, Altecnic quickly identified a different area of improvement: the opportunity to install Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) to ensure the delivery of safe water temperatures to prevent bacteria growth and reduce the risk of scalding. There were 6 areas identified where TMVs were not fitted, these ranged from point-of-use hand wash basins in dormitory wash facilities, to disabled toilets, and kitchen hand wash areas.
Additionally, TMVs that had previously been installed in public toilet areas had not been commissioned or serviced, meaning their performance and safety could not be guaranteed.
Recognising the opportunity to support Dalesdown, Altecnic mobilised a team of experienced technical staff with plumbing expertise to ensure the work could be completed efficiently and safely.
The Solution
A solution needed to be found, and Altecnic were able to provide a thermostatic mixing valve that could fulfil this requirement.
Altecnic specified and installed the Mixcal Careflo Plus® TMV, a TMV3 and WRAS-approved thermostatic mixing valve, with 5-year warranty, suitable for high-risk healthcare and residential environments.
The TMV-3 approval of this valve was vital – with this approval ensuring that the valves installed were compliant with the performance specification D 08, ensuring protection for vulnerable users such as children, older people, and individuals with reduced mobility or capacity.
With this, the Mixcal Careflo Plus® has the unique feature of thermal override capability, which enables thermal purging of the system. This process removes dead legs and significantly reduces the risk of harmful bacteria, including Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, developing within the water system.
In a residential setting such as Dalesdown, where vulnerable individuals regularly use washing and hygiene facilities, maintaining excellent water hygiene is just as important as controlling outlet temperatures. Thermal purging ensures the system remains safe, compliant and fit for purpose over the long term.
The Results
Altecnic provided a complete solution for both water hygiene and safety of end-users to ensure that the centre’s facilities were fit for purpose and safe for all who use them.
6 Mixcal Careflo Plus® TMVs were installed across disabled toilets, kitchen hand wash basins and shared dormitory point-of-use basins. Following installation, the valves’ thermal override function was used to carry out safe thermal purging right up to the outlet, helping to remove dead legs and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria developing within the system.
Each valve was fully commissioned to confirm that safe mixed water temperatures were being delivered, while also verifying that the failsafe shut-off function was operating correctly. This ensures vulnerable users are protected from the risk of scalding, even in the event of a cold-water supply failure.
In addition, Altecnic carried out servicing on a further 4 existing TMVs located in the men’s and women’s toilets, improving the overall reliability, performance and safety of the site’s water systems.
As a result, Dalesdown now benefits from enhanced safeguarding for its visitors, improved water system health, and greater confidence that its facilities support its charitable mission to provide a safe, inclusive and caring environment.
Social Value Commitment
This project was delivered entirely free of charge as part of Altecnic’s wider commitment to social value. While no further work followed, the project demonstrates Altecnic’s dedication to protecting vulnerable communities and supporting organisations that deliver essential care.
Client Feedback: Matthew Pye, Maintenance Officer at Dalesdown, shared his gratitude:
“Altecnic went above and beyond, they communicated with me about the support they could provide, they efficiently organised a site visit, quickly identified areas for improvement, and put the right solution in place without hesitation. The team were incredibly supportive throughout the process. Knowing that our water systems are now safer and healthier for our visitors gives us real peace of mind.”
Conclusion
The Dalesdown project highlights Altecnic’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people and delivering practical, expert-led solutions where they are needed most. By identifying an improvement that could be made to the system and providing the right products with technical expertise and on-site support, Altecnic helped Dalesdown Residential Conference and Activity Centre significantly improve both water safety and hygiene across its facilities.
The installation, commissioning and servicing of TMV3-approved Mixcal Careflo Plus® valves has provided long-term protection for those who use the centre, ensuring safe water temperatures while reducing the risk of harmful bacteria within the system.
Delivered as a social value project at no cost to the client, the work reflects Altecnic’s wider ethos of supporting organisations that make a meaningful difference in their communities. Through this partnership, Dalesdown can continue to focus on its mission with confidence, knowing its water systems meet the highest standards of safety and care.
Supporting Images:
Mixcal Careflo Plus TMV
Engineer Installing the Mixcal Careflo Plus