Background
As part of a wider refurbishment programme, a private hospital in the South of England sought to upgrade heating safety standards across its corridors and patient-facing areas.
Prior to this project, the radiators throughout the corridors had no guards fitted meaning surfaces were exposed to patients, visitors, and staff, creating a potential burn risk and falling short of current best practice for Low Surface Temperature (LST) compliance.
The client contacted Contour to survey, supply and install suitable radiator guards that would align with the hospital’s high standards for cleanliness and presentation while also being cost-effective and minimally disruptive to the wider refurbishment.
Challenges
While the hospital’s refurbishment plans were well underway, several practical obstacles had to be addressed to ensure the radiator guards would meet both clinical requirements and aesthetic expectations. Each of these challenges required careful planning to ensure safety, compliance, and hygiene, all while working in live areas.
1. No Existing Surface Protection
With bare radiators installed in public and patient-facing corridors, the hospital was not compliant with best practice LST guidance, increasing risk of burns and limiting their ability to demonstrate a safe care environment.
2. High Expectations for Cleanliness and Presentation
As a private healthcare provider, the client needed a solution that aligned with their broader refurbishment goals. A clean, presentable aesthetic and robust, hygienic design were essential.
3. Cleaning Limitations and Infection Control
The previous lack of guards also meant no consistent access for cleaning beneath or behind radiators - a potential issue for infection prevention teams, particularly in busy shared spaces like corridors.
4. Installation in Sensitive Areas
Installation was carried out across occupied corridors in a live hospital setting. As such, careful planning was required to avoid disruption, schedule work during quiet periods, and ensure the safety and comfort of patients, staff, and visitors.
Solution Implemented
Following a full site survey, Contour supplied and installed DeepClean flat top radiator guards, each custom-sized to fit seamlessly within the corridor layout.
Key features of the solution included:
- LST-compliant design, maintaining safe surface temperatures below 43°C
- Flat top profiles reducing protrusion and maintaining a discreet, professional appearance
- Drop-down hinged access doors, enabling internal surfaces and radiators to be cleaned thoroughly without heavy lifting
- Anti-microbial powder-coated finish for enhanced infection control
- Bespoke sizes to ensure each guard fitted perfectly without encroaching unnecessarily on corridor space
- On-site installation, handled carefully around patient and staff needs with minimal disruption.
Outcome
The completed installation enabled the hospital to:
- Achieve LST compliance across its corridor heating
- Improve safety for patients, staff and visitors
- Deliver better cleaning access for estates and facilities teams
- Enhance visual presentation across the refurbished environment
- Align with infection control guidance through hygienic design and easy maintenance
By selecting Contour’s DeepClean flat-top range with full installation support, the client was able to meet both functional and aesthetic goals, improving long-term usability without exceeding budget.
Ready to Upgrade Heating Safety in Your Healthcare Facility?
Whether you’re managing a refurbishment or addressing compliance shortfalls, Contour’s LST radiator guards are designed to deliver safety, hygiene, and long-term value. With quick, professional installation and flexible design options, we’re here to support your next project.
📞 Call us on +44 (0) 1952 290498
📧 Email: sales@contourheating.co.uk
🖱️ Or enquire via our website
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