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Month: July 2022

Sluice room

What is a sluice room and what are the requirements for having one?

What is a sluice room and what are the requirements for having one?

A sluice room is a closed area found in hospitals and care homes where human waste can be disposed of safely and efficiently. A properly planned and equipped sluice room prevents the spread of infection.

In this guide, we’ll detail exactly what a sluice room is and the latest sluice room requirements and tips. 

What is a sluice room?

A sluice room (which some people refer to as a dirty utility room), is a closed room found in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Sluice rooms are specifically designed for the disposal of human waste products and the disinfection of associated items, such as linens. 

The main aim of a sluice room is to ensure that human waste is disposed of as quickly and efficiently as possible with minimal human contact, following the best possible hygiene protocols and recommended infection control and prevention guidelines.  

Sluice room requirements and tips

As human waste products such as urine, vomit and faecal matter can be infectious, it’s vitally important that sluice rooms are planned carefully. By doing so, healthcare professionals can ensure that all waste is disposed of safely and that the risk of cross contamination is minimised. 

All sluice rooms should be designed with infection prevention in mind. Due to this, sluice rooms are usually divided into two areas. One of these is for ‘dirty’ activities and the other is for ‘clean’ activities. Thanks to this set up, new and cleaned products such as bedpans and wipes will be stored in a clean storage area, away from any ‘dirty’ activities where they could become contaminated. 

However, as well as being designed in this way, it’s crucial that sluice rooms are used in the way they’re intended to be. If staff members do not use a sluice room correctly, then cross contamination could occur and others will be at risk of infection. 

As a direct result of this, healthcare professionals must put guidelines in place for staff members in the healthcare facility to follow. These guidelines should include: 

  • Procedures for how waste should be disposed of 
  • Effective hand washing procedures 
  • How the sluice room should be cleaned and disinfected 

All these procedures are crucial for ensuring a safe environment that is free from infection.

What pieces of equipment are required in a sluice room?

Essential sluice room items should include:

  • Compliant cleaning and thermal disinfection appliances  
  • Stainless steel hand basin with either wrist, elbow or sensor taps
  • Liquid soap dispenser
  • Paper towel dispenser
  • Dispenser for hand disinfection
  • Wall-mounted rack for the temporary storage of cleaned utensils
  • Waste bin
  • Macerators 

Ideally, a sluice room should also contain:

  • Deep stainless steel sink
  • Stainless steel storage cupboards – wall-mounted and floor-standing units incorporating stainless steel work surfaces
  • Multi-washer

If you’re designing a sluice room and you’re unsure what equipment you need to guarantee disinfection, then contact our experts today. Our knowledgeable and experienced experts can explain everything you need to know about infection control and the equipment you need. Alternatively, if you’d like to learn more about sluice room requirements, download our step by step guide to regulations in laundries and sluice rooms. 

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What is sick building syndrome, and how can we prevent it?

Learn about what sick building syndrome (SBS) is, how it can affect your workplace and the different systems available to help address the problem.
Commercial housing

How JLA can help social landlords improve Tenant Satisfaction Measures and meet the Decent Homes Standard

Dicover how your housing association can keep compliant with the introduction of Tenant Satisfaction Measurements in 2024.
George Barclay
coin op dryer

On the hunt for coin-operated tumble dryers but unsure which option is best for your business? In this guide, we’ll explain why our JLA D coin-operated tumble dryers are particularly useful in commercial laundries. 

Key features of our coin-operated tumble dryers

Our JLA D30/30 and D50 dryers are extremely cost-effective and combine efficiency with safety.

Key features of these cost-effective dryers include: 

  • The JLA coin mechanism, which takes any coin of any currency, as well as tokens
  • Microprocessor control and one-touch operation 
  • 6 pre-programmed cycles and the ability to store tailor-made cycles 
  • Auto-dry cycles that prevent energy wastage and cut down on ironing and finishing times
  • A large lint filter for efficient drying   
  • Direct spark ignition, which reduces running costs
  • A large heavy-duty door with gasketless glass and high density, tamper-resistant seal for safety and long life
  • Easy loading and unloading of bulky items
  • Stainless steel lifters and back panel for clean, hygienic look and durability

Benefits provided by our coin-operated tumble dryers

Due to the wealth of features we’ve packed into our cheap coin-operated tumble dryers, you’ll experience a range of benefits when you select them for use in your business. 

For example, one-touch operation and the use of pre-programmed cycles make it simple for your customers to select and run cycles, while the JLA coin mechanism ensures that customers can easily pay for their laundry and you can maximise revenues. 

Similarly, auto-dry cycles, direct spark ignition and the large lint filter not only make drying efficient, but they also cut down on waste energy and lower your electricity bills. 

Finally, our safe coin-operated tumble dryers are designed to run for cycle after cycle and minimise the risk of fire in your laundry room. To help with this, they feature our S.A.F.E fire extinguishing system. 

As cost-effective options that still focus on safety and high drying standards, we think the JLA D30/30 and D50 dryers are incredibly useful for businesses of all sizes. To discover how these options can help you, and to discuss a quote, speak to our laundry experts today. 

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What are laundromats, launderettes and commercial laundries and how do they differ?

Launderettes, laundromats, commercial laundries - how do they differ? Learn more about these laundry terms and how not all laundry rooms perform the same function.
Peter Westwell

Both induction hobs and gas hobs are popular in commercial kitchens. While each choice has associated positives and negatives, choosing the right type of hob for your commercial kitchen is vital if you want to serve the highest-possible quality of food.  

To help you decide whether a gas hob or a commercial induction hob is right for you, we’ve put together this handy guide. 

Induction vs gas hobs: What’s the difference?

Although they’ve been around since the 1970s, induction hobs have only recently grown in prominence. 

Induction hobs use electromagnetism to heat and cook food. When the hob is switched on, a high frequency alternating magnetic field is created between the element and the pan. The electromagnetic field then travels into the pan and generates a current. This current then generates heat that is transferred to the food. 

By contrast, with a gas hob, gas is released through the burner rings when you turn the knob. This gas is then ignited by a lighter spark.

Pros of gas hobs

Gas hobs are preferred by top chefs. This is partially because gas hobs are easier to control and allow you to cook with more precision. Because you can control the size of the flame using the knob, you can go from a roaring flame to a small flame that’s perfect for simmering in less than a second. 

Pros of induction hobs

Induction hobs are popular because they get up to temperature far quicker than gas hobs. Plus, they’re also incredibly easy to clean and they’re more efficient.

On top of this, while the heat is easier to control with a gas hob, the heat of an induction hob can still be controlled with the touch of a button. This means that you can ensure the temperature you’re cooking at is exactly the same with each batch of food. That said, varying the temperature (such as a sauce going from boiling to simmering) does take longer. 

Induction vs gas hobs: Which is best for me?

In deciding whether a gas hob or an induction hob is best for your commercial kitchen, you need to decide the dishes you’d like to cook, the quantity you need to cook in and how quickly you need to heat each dish. 

If you’d like some help understanding which hob is best for your commercial kitchen, speak to our catering experts today. 

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Care home detergents and cleaning chemicals guide

Care homes require a variety of detergents to maintain hygiene and cleanliness for their residents, staff, contractors and visitors. This guide will outline the wide range of general cleaning, laundry and kitchen detergents used by care homes across the UK.

How often should a commercial kitchen canopy be cleaned?

This guide outlines the importance of cleaning your canopies, explains how often they should be cleaned and the tell-tale signs that your extractors aren’t operating as they should.
HVAC Guide

If you’re considering buying an air conditioning system for your business, then you undoubtedly have a number of things to consider. 

To help you decide which system is right for you, we’ve put together this commercial air conditioning guide. Here, we outline the types of air conditioning unit available, where they should be installed and the relevant regulations.  

Types of air conditioning

Before we delve into the specifics surrounding how to install air conditioning, we’ll start our commercial heating guide by reviewing the types of air conditioning unit available. 

Each type of air conditioning system suits a different setting. Generally speaking, in your commercial space, you’ll need to decide between a wall-mounted system and a ceiling cassette system. 

Wall-mounted air condition systems

These units are typically preferred where there is no grid ceiling. They’re also popular because they’re easy to install (especially next to an exterior wall). 

Business owners like wall-mounted air conditioning systems because they’re: 

  • Quiet
  • Feature a compact, streamlined design
  • Have adjustable louvres for consistent air distribution
  • Come with wired or wireless controls
  • Feature remote diagnostics

Ceiling cassette air conditioning systems

Ceiling cassette air conditioning systems are typically installed where ceiling grids are present (400mm clearance above the ceiling required for recess) and are used for large-scale air distribution. 

Ceiling cassette air conditioning systems feature a compact, lightweight design and provide horizontal airflow for greater comfort. They’re also highly efficient and incredibly quiet. 

Where to install an air conditioning system

In order for your air conditioning system to work effectively, installation must be planned. By performing an on-site assessment, an engineer can make sure that the system is located in a way that ensures it keeps the air at the correct temperature. 

While some air conditioning system suppliers might simply replace a condenser and internal unit wherever it is currently installed, we’ll carry out a detailed design and placement consultation. Using this information, we’ll then recommend the best equipment for your exact needs. This will include options from our range of single room, split unit wall-mounted and ceiling-cassette air conditioning solutions.

Keep commercial air conditioning regulations in mind

Since 2018, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has governed the regulations surrounding commercial air conditioning systems. It set out guidelines surrounding the following: 

  • F-Gas: Any business that uses refrigeration products that contain F-Gas must adequately maintain the system and keep detailed records. 
  • Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): All commercial properties that consist of more than 500 m2 of habitable space must hold an EPC. 
  • TM44 Regulation: Building managers of properties that have an air conditioning system with an output of over 12kW are responsible for organising regular inspections.

And that concludes our commercial heating & air conditioning guide. If you’re thinking of installing a commercial air conditioning unit in your premises, then speak to our experts today. We can advise which system would be best for your business, employees and customers. 

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Commercial vs domestic air conditioning systems: which is best for you?

Businesses working from smaller properties often ask JLA’s HVAC team whether cheaper domestic air-con units are a better investment than their commercial equivalents. But when you’re weighing up performance, durability and compliance, we believe a commercial system is still your best option – even despite a higher cost.

How to save energy with a commercial air conditioning system

With energy prices staying stubbornly high, this spring is an ideal time for organisations to review their commercial air conditioning systems and realise savings ahead of the warmest months.
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commercial grill guide

A salamander grill is a versatile piece of catering equipment that allows your chefs to cook, bake, brown, toast, grill, flash cook or finish everything from snacks and sandwiches to full breakfasts and burgers. 

In this commercial grill buying guide, we’ll explain exactly what you should consider before you buy a commercial grill. As well as analysing whether a gas or electric salamander grill is best, we’ll also look at freestanding vs countertop options and additional features. 

Gas vs electric salamander grills

To start our commercial grill guide, we’ll assess the differences and similarities between gas and electric salamander grills. 

Firstly, both gas and electric salamander grills are designed for heavy use. Plus, both of these options offer quick heat-up, so you can cook to order. In this respect, they’re both great options. 

Generally speaking though, whether a gas or an electric salamander grill is most appropriate for your kitchen will depend on the set-up of your space. However, if you’re planning on using your salamander grill near continuously, then a gas salamander grill may be the best option. By contrast, if energy efficiency is your primary concern, then an electric version might be better. 

Freestanding or countertop salamander grills

Once you’ve decided whether a gas or an electric salamander grill is best for your needs, you then need to decide whether you’d like a freestanding or a countertop option. 

The option you choose will likely depend on the space you have available and exactly where you’d like the salamander grill to sit. However, the majority of salamander grills feature a compact design, so it’s usually simple to find an appropriate space. Some salamander grills even come with optional stands, so you can manoeuvre the grill as required. 

Consider optional features

Many salamander grills will come with other optional features, so you’ll need to consider whether your business requires any of these. For example, some salamander grills offer multiple temperature controls and provide attractive grill marks (like our JLA 900 Gas Salamander Grill). Meanwhile, others offer different cooking positions and optional stands (like our JLA 785 Gas Salamander Grill). 

Looking to buy a commercial grill? Speak to our catering experts today. We can advise you which of our class-leading commercial salamander grills is best for your needs. 

Peter Westwell
commercial fryer guide

Commercial fryers are key pieces of catering equipment in commercial settings. This is because they allow a chef in this environment to offer fast-turnaround cooking. 

However, when it comes to commercial fryers, a great number of different options are available. In this commercial fryer guide, we’ll explain exactly what you should consider before you buy a commercial fryer, including whether you should choose a gas or electric fryer, the number of baskets you require, and whether a countertop or floor-standing fryer is best. 

Electric vs gas commercial fryers

Let’s start our commercial fryer buying guide by considering the differences between gas and electric fryers. 

Both electric and gas fryers are viable options in a commercial kitchen. But, although the two appliances tend to have similar capacities and create quality dishes, there are differences between gas and electric fryers. 

For example, with electric fryers, the heating element is immersed in the basket. This means the oil heats quicker and the appliance is more efficient. Similarly, these appliances generally also require less maintenance. 

That said, gas commercial fryers are still fantastic options. They’re particularly useful if you have a well ventilated kitchen or if you’re operating near to your kitchen’s upper limit, if it’s powered by electricity. 

How many baskets do I need?

If you only plan on frying one type of food (such as chips), then a single basket fryer is likely to be sufficient for your needs. 

However, if you have a more expansive menu, then it’s likely that a twin basket fryer is more suitable. With this option, you can avoid the cross contamination of oil and flavours by keeping foods separate. Ultimately, not only is this better for food hygiene purposes, but it will also provide your customers with a tastier dish. 

Do I need a light or a heavy duty fryer?

Similarly, whether you opt for a light or a heavy duty commercial fryer will depend on how many covers you have and how much of your menu needs to be fried. If your fryer is going to be continually running, then a heavy duty fryer will be better suited to your needs. If you’re instead only running it occasionally, a light duty fryer may be suitable.

Is a floor-standing or countertop commercial fryer best?

Generally speaking, whether you should opt for a floor-standing fryer or a countertop option depends on the layout of your kitchen and the space you have available. 

Countertop fryers do tend to be smaller than floor-standing fryers, but space saving floor-standing options are also available. That said, if you’re looking to cook vast quantities of food quickly, then a floor-standing fryer is likely to be the best choice for your needs. Some of these models (like our JLA Gas Twin-Tank Floor Fryer) are capable of cooking up to 64kg of chips per hour. 

Looking to buy a commercial fryer for your kitchen but unsure which is best for your needs? Speak to our catering experts today. Our expert advisors are here to help.

We have the solution

Whether you’re concerned about cash flow or 24 hour-a-day repairs, we have the solution for you

Buy outright

  • Market-leading commercial heating & AC equipment
  • 12 months warranty included
  • Option to bolt-on supplementary service contract

Total Care

  • Market-leading heating & AC equipment with no upfront cost
  • Inclusive breakdown cover, without a wear and tear clause
  • 7 day call out service, even on bank holidays
  • Remote fault diagnosis
  • Engineer response within 4 working hours
  • No repair bills or call out charges ever
  • 24/7 freephone support
  • Annual gas safety certificate
  • One monthly payment – no surprises

Service contract

  • Callout inclusive breakdown cover
  • Option to include labour
  • 5 or 7 day call out service
  • Engineer response within 24 hours
  • 24/7 freephone support
  • Annual gas safety certificate & servicing
Need help? Call us on

01422822282

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About JLA
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Joshua Finch

FM, Government and NHS expert
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For the past 5 years, Joshua has been leading JLA’s FM, Government and NHS division, overseeing our largest government contracts.

Passionate about delivering innovative solutions, he has prioritised compliance, reducing downtime, and providing innovative solutions.

With a wealth of experience in tailoring solutions to specific needs, Joshua is committed to delivering operational excellence through a collaborative and consultative approach.

Read Joshua's full profile
George Barclay

George Barclay

Laundry Expert

Head of Installations George joined JLA as an apprentice service engineer in 2011. With years of experience in plumbing, engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, he oversees the delivery of safe, compliant installations.

George is Gas qualified for both laundry and COMCAT 1, 2, 3, 5, and holds IOSH Managing Safety and 17th edition accreditation.

Read George's full profile
Peter Westwell

Peter Westwell

Catering expert

A fully qualified electrical and gas catering engineer, Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to JLA after previously owning his own successful catering equipment business.

Now as Catering Project Manager at JLA, Peter helps organisations of all sizes choose the most energy-efficient, cost-effective equipment and support for their needs.

Read Peter's full profile

Kane Downes

Air conditioning expert

Kane Downes is the Lead Air Conditioner Installer in JLA’s HVAC team.

During his career at JLA, he has managed multiple large installations, including projects exceeding values of £1 million in revenue. He is known as a perfectionist and works closely with customers to ensure the project has been completed with maximum attention to detail.

Part of his role includes developing younger engineers and apprentices to provide them with a platform to build confidence and a stronger skillset.

George is Gas qualified for both laundry and COMCAT 1, 2, 3, 5, and holds IOSH Managing Safety and 17th edition accreditation.

Read Kane's full profile

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