Mr Graeme Bunt1, Mr. Tom Boyd1
1Gentec Australia Pty Ltd, Mascot/Sydney, Australia
Biography:
Graeme Bunt is the Brand Ambassador for GENTEC and former General Manager – Sales with 40 years of experience in sales, including 13 years leading GENTEC’s sales team. He specialises in infection prevention solutions and advancing healthcare plumbing technologies across Australia.
Abstract:
Handwash stations play a critical role in infection prevention, with the latest Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AHFG) updates emphasising design elements that reduce splashback, stagnation, and biofilm-related aerosolisation. Translating these principles into practical, buildable solutions remains a key challenge for healthcare projects.
This presentation outlines a coordinated, wholistic approach to handwash station design, where basin, tapware, waste, and drainage components are considered as a single unit. The design incorporates sensor taps, rear-offset waste basins to prevent direct flow into the drain, and one-way valve technology to reduce backflow contamination risk. Stainless steel P-traps are used in accordance with current guidance, supporting durability and cleanability. Basin geometry is designed with curved internal surfaces, no overflow, and appropriate clearance to enable effective hand hygiene technique.
A detachable, recessed shroud encloses plumbing while maintaining accessibility for maintenance. Designed as a separate component with minimal gaps, it allows effective cleaning and direct access to the drainage system without removal of the basin.
This integrated approach aligns with Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AHFG) recommendations, including offset waste positioning, wall-mounted configurations, and coordinated selection of basin and tapware. Implementation across healthcare settings demonstrates improved cleanability, reduced conditions for splash and aerosolisation, and enhanced maintenance efficiency.
This session will provide infection control professionals and decision-makers with practical insights into applying guideline-aligned design to support safer, more effective infection prevention outcomes.