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In the critical environment of Australian healthcare facilities, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene is paramount. Ice machines, often overlooked yet essential components of hospital infrastructure, play a vital role in patient care, medication storage, and staff comfort. Coast Distributors, as Australia's leading supplier of commercial ice machines, understands the unique challenges faced by healthcare facilities in maintaining ice machine hygiene.

This guide focuses on the Follett Champion Series ice machines, specifically designed for healthcare environments. We'll explore how these advanced units address the critical need for safe, clean ice in medical settings across Australia.

The Critical Role of Ice in Australian Healthcare Settings

Ice serves multiple essential purposes in healthcare facilities:

1. Patient Hydration: Chewable ice is often preferred by patients for hydration, especially those with difficulty swallowing. The Follett Champion Series produces Chewblet® ice, which is soft and easy to consume, making it ideal for patient care.
2. Cold Therapy: Ice packs are crucial for reducing swelling and managing pain in various medical treatments. The Chewblet® ice produced by Follett machines moulds easily into ice packs, providing effective cold therapy without the risk of bruising patients' skin.
3. Medication Storage: Some temperature-sensitive medications require precise cooling. The consistent, high-quality ice produced by Follett machines ensures these medications remain at optimal temperatures.
4. Laboratory Use: Ice is essential for maintaining sample temperatures and securing test tubes. The Chewblet® ice is particularly useful for holding test tubes and lab vials securely.|
5. Food Service: Used in hospital cafeterias and for patient meals, ice from Follett machines meets the strict food safety standards required in healthcare settings.

Given these critical applications, the cleanliness and quality of ice are paramount. Contaminated ice can lead to serious health complications, especially for immunocompromised patients in Australian hospitals.

Follett Champion Series: Engineered for Healthcare Hygiene in Australia

Coast Distributors offers the Follett Champion 7 and 15 Series Ice & Water Dispensers, specifically designed to meet the stringent hygiene requirements of Australian healthcare facilities. 

These advanced machines incorporate several features that significantly reduce the risk of contamination:

Champion 7 Series Specifications

• Production Capacity: Up to 54.4kg of ice per day
• Storage Capacity: 3.2kg
• Dimensions: 44.8 cm W x 58.4 cm D x 75.7 cm H
• Ideal for: Smaller Australian hospital units, clinics, or departments
• Ice Type: Chewable, patient-preferred Chewblet® ice

Champion 15 Series Specifications

• Production Capacity: Up to 54.4kg of ice per day
• Storage Capacity: 6.8kg
• Dimensions: 52.1 cm W x 61.0 cm D x 79.4 cm H
• Ideal for: Larger Australian hospital wards or departments
• Ice Type: Chewable, patient-preferred Chewblet® ice

Additional features for both models:

• Compact, Sanitary, Efficient, Attractive design
• Antimicrobial treatment
• Refreshing Consumer Preferred Chewblet ice
• Chewable slow melting nuggets, perfect for bedside carafes
• Ice moulds easily for ice packs & cools quickly without bruising patients
• Manufactured in U.S.A.
• Warranty: 2 years parts & labour

For detailed specifications and pricing, visit the Follett Ice Machines page on the Coast Distributors website: https://www.coastdistributors.com.au/follett/

Advanced Hygiene Features

Both the Champion 7 and 15 Series incorporate Follett's state-of-the-art hygiene technologies, crucial for meeting Australia's strict healthcare standards:

1. Touchless Sensor Dispensing: Eliminates hand contact, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. This feature is particularly crucial in Australian healthcare settings where hand hygiene is paramount.
2. Antimicrobial Protection: a suite of sanitation features including, clean light technology in the dispense area and internal UV light in the water reservoir
3. Sealed Storage Compartment: Prevents airborne contaminants from entering the ice storage area, crucial in Australia's diverse environmental conditions.
4. Easy-to-Clean Design: Smooth, non-porous surfaces and easily removable components facilitate thorough cleaning and sanitisation, adhering to Australia's strict healthcare cleaning protocols.
5. Quiet Night Sleep Mode: Reduces noise, contributing to a more peaceful environment for patients, especially important in Australian hospitals where patient comfort is a priority.
6. Advanced Diagnostics: The 4.3" touchscreen interface provides alerts and self-help instructions for maintaining optimal hygiene, ensuring that Australian healthcare staff can quickly address any issues.

Chewblet® Ice: The Ideal Choice for Healthcare

Follett's proprietary Chewblet® ice is specifically designed for healthcare applications:

1. Patient Comfort: Soft and chewable, ideal for patients with difficulty swallowing.
2. Moldability: Easily shapes into ice packs for therapeutic use.
3. Quick Cooling: Chills rapidly without bruising patients' skin.
4. Slow Melting: Maintains temperature longer, reducing the frequency of ice replacements.
5. Blending Capability: Ideal for dietary needs, easily blending into liquid nutritional supplements.

Essential Cleaning and Maintenance Protocols for Follett Champion Series

Maintaining the hygiene of ice machines in Australian healthcare settings is crucial for patient safety. Coast Distributors recommends the following comprehensive cleaning and maintenance protocols for the Follett Champion Series, tailored to meet Australian healthcare standards:

Daily Cleaning Routines

1. Exterior Surfaces: Wipe down exterior surfaces with a clean, damp cloth using a mild, food-safe detergent approved for use in Australian healthcare facilities.
2. Dispensing Area: Clean and sanitise the dispensing area and sensor with a hospital-grade disinfectant suitable for food-contact surfaces.
3. Ice Scoop (if applicable): Clean and sanitise the ice scoop daily, storing it in a clean, sealed container when not in use to prevent contamination.

Cleaning and Sanitising Process for Follett Champion Series

Here is a detailed cleaning and sanitising process for the Follett Champion Series ice machines, based on the information provided in the product manual:

1. Preparation:

Gather supplies: SafeCLEAN Plus liquid, funnel, bucket, multi-head screwdriver, towels

• For Champion 7: 24 oz (0.71 L) SafeCLEAN Plus
• For Champion 15: 48 oz (1.42 L) SafeCLEAN Plus

2. Enter Clean and Sanitise Mode:

• Touch the Follett logo, then touch the ? icon, then touch the Follett logo again
• Choose Maintenance, then Clean and Sanitise

3. Disassembly:

• Dispense all ice out of the unit
• Remove the drip tray by pulling straight forward
• Unscrew the chute
• Remove the one screw securing the front cover
• Remove the front cover and set aside carefully
• Remove top sheet metal cover and remove cap from bin lid cover
• Screw cap onto dispense chute

4. Draining:

• Remove plug cap from drain tube and lower to drain water into bucket
• Replace plug cap and secure tube when drained
• For rear drain units: Close the storage bin drain tube pinch clamp
• For hot water tank units: Close the pinch clamp

5. Cleaning Solution Preparation:

• Champion 7: Mix 24 oz (0.71 L) SafeCLEAN Plus with 3 gallons (11.4 L) of hot water (100-120°F)
• Champion 15: Mix 48 oz (1.42 L) SafeCLEAN Plus with 6 gallons (22.7 L) of hot water (100-120°F)

6. Cleaning Process:

• Pour solution into bin lid access spout until it reaches the spout neck
• Allow solution to remain in unit for 15 minutes
• Remove right side panel to access and clean the condenser
• Submerge dispense chute, drip tray and grill in remaining solution for 2 minutes
• Rinse these parts with clean, potable water

7. Draining and Rinsing:

• Drain system by lowering drain tube into bucket
• For rear drain units: Open pinch clamp to drain, then close again
• Fill and drain twice with potable water (use UI button or fill manually)
• For rear drain units: Open pinch clamp when complete
• For hot tank units: Open hot tank vent tube pinch clamp when complete

8. Final Steps:

• Place bucket under dispense chute and remove cap (caution: remaining solution will drain out)
• Replace cap, lid, right side panel, cover, chute and drip tray
• Press Complete on the user interface
• Dispense water for 5 seconds to rinse dispense tube
• For hot water units: Dispense hot water for 5 seconds

9. Exterior Cleaning:

• Enter Clean Screen Mode via the user interface
• Clean screen with damp, non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent
• Unlock screen when finished
• This process ensures thorough cleaning and sanitising of the Follett Champion Series ice machines, following the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal hygiene and performance.

Maintenance Schedule

The Follett manual recommends a more frequent cleaning and sanitising schedule than previously stated:

• Weekly: Clean the air filter (if equipped).
• Monthly: Clean the condenser.
• Every 6 months: Perform a thorough cleaning and sanitising of the entire system.

For high-use or hard water areas, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. The manual emphasises the importance of regular cleaning and sanitising to maintain hygiene standards and optimal performance.

Water Filtration

To improve water quality and reduce cleaning frequency, Coast Distributors offers water filtration systems specifically designed for use with Follett ice machines. Our team can advise on the best options for your facility, taking into account local water conditions and usage patterns. 

Coast CD500B Bacterial-Retentive Inline Water Filter: This filter serves as a validated barrier against waterborne bacteria in incoming water, improving ice quality and reducing the frequency of cleaning.

Professional Servicing and Support

While regular cleaning can be performed by trained hospital staff, Coast Distributors offers professional servicing for more complex maintenance needs. Our team of experienced technicians is well-versed in the intricacies of Follett ice machines and can provide:

1. Comprehensive Maintenance Checks: Our technicians perform thorough inspections of all components, ensuring optimal performance and early detection of potential issues.
2. Advanced Troubleshooting: For any complex issues, our team has the expertise to diagnose and resolve problems efficiently.
3. Performance Optimization: We can fine-tune your Follett ice machine to ensure it's operating at peak efficiency, potentially reducing energy costs and improving ice production.
4. Staff Training: Our technicians can provide on-site training for your staff, ensuring they're familiar with proper cleaning and maintenance procedures.
5. Compliance Support: We help ensure your ice machines meet all relevant Australian healthcare standards and regulations.

To book a maintenance service or for any questions regarding the cleaning process, please contact our service team at service@coastdistributors.com.au. Our experienced technicians are always happy to help ensure your Follett ice machines are operating at peak efficiency and hygiene standards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sanitizing Ice Machines

To ensure the effectiveness of your sanitisation efforts, be aware of and avoid these common mistakes:

1. Skipping Regular Cleaning: Establish and adhere to a consistent cleaning schedule to prevent bacterial buildup.
2. Using Incorrect Cleaning Products: Always use Follett SafeClean Plus, specifically designed for Follett ice machines in healthcare settings.
3. Neglecting Hard-to-Reach Areas: Pay special attention to internal components and hard-to-reach areas where bacteria can thrive.
4. Not Following Manufacturer Instructions: Always refer to the Follett user manual and Coast Distributors' guidelines for specific cleaning instructions.
5. Rushing the Process: Allocate sufficient time for each cleaning session to ensure thoroughness.
6. Using Contaminated Tools: Ensure all cleaning tools are clean and sanitised before use to prevent recontamination.

Recommended Sanitising Products and Tools

To maintain the highest standards of hygiene for your Follett ice machines, Coast Distributors recommends the following products and tools:

1. Follett SafeClean Plus: This dual-purpose product serves as both a cleaner and sanitiser, specifically formulated for use in healthcare settings. It effectively removes scale, slime, and other residues while killing bacteria and germs.
2. Soft Brushes and Scrubbers: Use these to clean delicate parts without causing damage. They're effective for reaching tight areas and removing grime.
3. Microfiber Cloths: Ideal for wiping down surfaces without leaving lint behind. They're also great for drying parts after cleaning.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure staff wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear during cleaning to protect against exposure to cleaning chemicals and contaminants.

Compliance with Australian Regulatory Standards

Ensuring compliance with Australian healthcare standards is non-negotiable. Coast Distributors assists healthcare facilities in aligning with regulations by:

1. Understanding NSQHS Standards:
   • Educating staff on the importance of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and how the Follett Champion Series helps meet specific criteria, particularly Standard 3 (Preventing and Controlling Healthcare-Associated Infections).
   • Providing documentation on how the Champion Series' features align with NSQHS requirements.
2. Documentation and Record Keeping:
   • Maintain organised records of all cleaning, maintenance, and performance audits related to the ice machines.
   • Utilise the Champion Series' advanced diagnostics to generate automated reports for compliance documentation.
   • Implement a digital record-keeping system for easy access and review during inspections by Australian health authorities.
3. Risk Assessments:
   • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential health hazards associated with ice machine use and implement mitigation strategies.
   • Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management plan specific to ice machine use in Australian healthcare settings.
4. Collaboration with Health Authorities:
   • Work closely with Australian health authorities to stay updated on the latest regulations regarding food safety and hygiene in healthcare settings.
   • Participate in industry forums and workshops to stay informed about evolving standards and best practices specific to Australia.

The Coast Distributors Advantage

Choosing Coast Distributors for your healthcare ice machine needs could you offer several unique advantages:

1. Expertise in Healthcare Applications: With over 30 years of experience, we understand the specific needs of Australian healthcare facilities.
2. Comprehensive Product Range: We offer a full range of Follett ice machines, including the Champion Series, tailored for different hospital sizes and needs.
3. Customised Solutions: Our team can assess your facility's specific requirements and recommend the most suitable ice machine configuration.
4. Ongoing Support: From installation to maintenance and repairs, we provide continuous support throughout the lifecycle of your ice machine.
5. Compliance Assistance: We help ensure your ice production meets all relevant Australian healthcare standards and regulations.
6. Training Programs: We offer comprehensive training for your staff on proper ice machine operation and maintenance.
7. Genuine Parts and Accessories: We stock a full range of genuine Follett parts and accessories, ensuring your machine maintains optimal performance.

Conclusion: Investing in Quality and Safety

Maintaining the hygiene of ice machines in Australian healthcare settings is critical for patient safety and compliance with health regulations. The Follett Champion Series from Coast Distributors stands out due to its advanced features designed specifically for healthcare needs, ensuring that ice for patients and healthcare professionals is safe and contaminant-free.

By prioritising ice machine hygiene and utilising the industry-leading solutions provided by Coast Distributors, including items such as the Follett SafeClean Plus and Coast CD500B Bacterial-Retentive Inline Water Filter Australian healthcare facilities can ensure the well-being of their patients while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The comprehensive approach outlined in this guide, encompassing advanced technology, rigorous maintenance protocols, staff training, and continuous improvement strategies, provides a robust framework for maintaining the highest standards of ice hygiene in healthcare settings.

Investing in quality ice machines and proper maintenance is not just about compliance – it's about providing the best possible care for patients. With Follett ice machines from Coast Distributors, you're investing in peace of mind, knowing that your ice production meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

For further inquiries or to explore the Follett Champion Series and associated hygiene solutions tailored for Australian healthcare facilities, visit us at coastdistributors.com.au or reach out to our team at sales@coastdistributors.com.au

If you need to book a servicing for your equipment reach out to our service team service@coastdistributors.com.au

Let our dedicated team assist you in enhancing the safety and hygiene of your healthcare facility, ensuring that your ice production meets the stringent requirements of modern Australian healthcare environments.

Remember, when it comes to patient safety, every detail matters. Choose Coast Distributors and Follett ice machines for a partnership that prioritises hygiene, efficiency, and quality in healthcare ice production.