FAQ’s

To help with your sluice room needs, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions. If there is a question we haven’t covered, please do not hesitate to reach out and speak to one of our specialists.

What equipment is required in a sluice room?

When building a Sluice room the following equipment is required; bedpan washer disinfector, stainless steel drying rack and stainless steel hand wash basin. We also want to ensure that the layout defines clean and dirty areas.

Other recommended equipment includes an air decontamination unit – to control/remove pathogens and bacteria from the waste material entering your homes ventilation system and stainless steel dispensers (Glove, Apron, Hand Paper Towel, Liquid soap).

What model bedpan washer disinfector do I require?

This is dependent on:

• The number of residents/patients on the floor/ward
• If there is more than 1 sluice room
• The type of bedpans you are using
• Need help choosing the right machine? Contact us today, our team can support you in finding the best machine for your facility.

How long does a sluice room wash cycle take?

Approximately 7 Mins. This depends on the ambient temperature of the room.

Can I wash solid/dirty equipment in the hand wash basins?

No, hand wash basins should only be used for washing hands to stop contamination and prevent infection.

What other equipment can be included in a sluice room?

Other equipment that can be included in a sluice room to support infection control and best hygiene practices must be of stainless steel construction. Items include; a slop hopper or manual sluice, a set-down table, a deep clean sink, and/or wall or floor cupboards. You can find out more about sluice room equipment here.

How much Deoscale fluid do I require?

5ml of Deoscale Fluid is added to each wash cycle therefore, this will depend on how frequently the machine is used.

What prerequisites are required for the installation of a bedpan washer disinfector?

The following requisites are required for installation:

• A 16amp Neon safety isolating switch needs to be accessible.
• A cold water feed supply within 1 metre of the machine location.
• All water services need to be within 1 metre of the machine location.
• Access to a 4-inch soil pipe within 1 Metre of the machine location.

What can be stored in a sluice room?

New and clean products, such as bedpans and wipes can be stored on the ‘clean’ side.

Where should I build my sluice room?

There should be a sluice room on every floor or ward in which waste needs to be disposed of. This is to prevent infections from spreading throughout homes and hospitals. It’s also important to remember that a sluice room may be used 24/7, so a site should be chosen where noise from water or clattering hardware will not be a nuisance, if possible.

How often should I have my bedpan washer disinfector serviced?

We recommend servicing your bedpan washer disinfector every 12 months in normal use situations or 6 months in areas where use is high.

Why do carers/staff need training on how to use the sluice room?

All users of the sluice room need to adhere to the same method of safe practice. It is important to prevent any cross contamination from clean areas to dirty areas and ensure an efficient flow of disposal of fluids and matter being brought into the room. An efficient working sluice room will also minimise any build up of dirty utensils, and their pungent odours and eliminate any airborne pathogens and spores which cause infections.

What after-services do Stanbridge provide?

• Equipment training for staff
• Guidance and support on infection control and prevention
• Maintenance and breakdown packages.

What is a Sluice Machine, and what is it used for?

Our bedpan washer disinfectors clean and decontmainate reusable utensils, such as bedpans, commode pots and urine bottles. They’re specially designed for care homes and hospitals to dispose of human waste safely and effectively, killing all bacteria. Find out more about our Bedpan Washer Disinfectors.

What chemicals do I need to add to my Stanbridge sluice machine?

Our wash cycles do not use any harsh chemicals; they clean and decontaminate using water and steam. Our machines have a Deoscale dosing pump that stops the buildup of scale.

What is a Healthcare-Associated Infection?

A Healthcare-Associated Infection (HCAI’s) is an infection that is acquired by patients or staff within a medical setting, such as a care home or hospital.

What is the Sluice Room used for?

A sluice room is a designated area used for the safe disposal of human waste and cleaning of reusable utensils.
Find out more about sluice rooms.

Why is Infection Prevention and Control important?

Infection prevention and control are crucial in keeping patients and residents safe in care homes and hospitals, by preventing the spread of infections by putting in place procedures and best practices to prevent and reduce the risk.

What is Bedpan Washer Decontamination?

Bedpan washer decontamination involves the removal of bacteria from reusable bedpans by thermal disinfection using steam, stopping the spread of infections. Find more about bedpan washer decontamination.

How can I ensure my staff use the Stanbridge Sluice Machine correctly?

When purchasing a Stanbridge machine, it’s important to take advantage of the staff training that is offered. Ensure staff have reviewed the operation manual and all questions are answered (our team are happy to help with this). Ensure a loading chart for the machine is in place for staff to view when loading the machine. Find out more about preventing machine misuse.