SHK Service for Care & Social Facilities

Care facilities as commercial drinking water operators must ensure drinking water quality per TrinkwV. Because residents are particularly vulnerable (elderly, immunocompromised), we recommend at least twice-yearly testing. If measure value of 100 CFU/100 ml is exceeded, immediate protective measures must be initiated. We coordinate all tests, labs and prepare documentation for the health department.

Care facilities with maintenance contracts receive prioritized emergency number and guaranteed 2-hour response time for heating failure – regardless of time of day or day of week. We understand that heating failure in a care facility poses a serious risk to elderly or nursing-dependent residents and respond accordingly.

Yes, we plan and install barrier-free sanitary facilities per DIN 18040-1 (public buildings) and DIN 18040-2 (residential). This includes flush-floor showers with non-slip flooring, accessible sinks, grab rails per ÖNORM B 1600, walk-in tubs and care showers. We work with occupational therapists and nursing directors to develop optimal solutions.

Daycare centers have special requirements: drinking water must be especially safe for small children (low lead limits, Legionella protection), hot water at wash stations should be limited to max 43°C to prevent burns. Radiators must be child-safe to prevent burns. We know these requirements and plan and service daycare systems accordingly.

If technical measure value (100 CFU/100 ml) is exceeded, we immediately initiate protective measures: usage restrictions of affected tap points, thermal disinfection of system (heating to >70°C) and chemical disinfection if needed. We then conduct cause analysis and plan permanent remediation (pipe renovation, hot water optimization). We support health authority communication with technical documentation.

Yes, on request we conduct brief training sessions for technical staff and nursing directors covering drinking water hygiene basics, key testing obligations and proper response to irregularities. This training increases team awareness and helps identify hygiene deficiencies early.

Yes, we service heating systems up to about 500 kW in care facilities and social buildings. For this size category we conduct regular full maintenance per VDMA 24186, including efficiency optimization, setpoint checking and safety valve inspection. On request, we also install remote monitoring systems that automatically alert us of failures – for maximum operating reliability.

Yes, we have experience upgrading existing bathrooms to barrier-free use while maintaining operations. We plan retrofit measures so sufficient usable bathrooms remain available. Retrofit work can often also qualify for subsidies – e.g. KfW program 455 for barrier-free retrofitting.