15:32 Jan 30 

Note that CNM refers very generically to a type of hand-washing facility where there is no need to touch the water tap and/or drain with your hands — there are lots of ways this is achieved, e.g. some systems are fully automatic (= electrical) and use a photocell to detect when hands are present under the spout in order to release the water; whereas other systems are simply operated by other parts of the body: knee, thigh, foot-pedal, etc.

Hence why 'automatic' only describes one particular type of CNM, but there are others.

10:41 Jan 30 

That sounds exactly right, Tony. You should post it as an answer so we could agree! Here's one reference with the term but no abbreviation http://www.cantinescolaire.net/Controle/controle.

10:39 Jan 30 

That looks very likely Tony - excellent detective work, thanks!

10:33 Jan 30 

I can't think what the acronym actually stands for, but this might at least give you a hint for further research.

The kind of handwash systems used in kitchens usually havea 'no-hands' way of turning the water on: either a photocel to detec when hands are under that tap, or a knee / thigh lever of panel, etc.

So I can well imagine that the 'C' might stand for some form of 'commande'; the only thing I can think for 'NM' might be 'non manuelle', but I must admit that's a bit of a long shot!

Please do let us know if you ever find out!