Metering & Measur
Are you at risk of a fatal outbreak?
Helen Clarke, Radio-Tech Ltd
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal monitoring system. As the age of manual
form of pneumonia which can affect data monitoring draws to a close, the
anybody, but which principally affects those benefits of more accurate systems are being
who are susceptible because of age, illness, exploited. An ideal system is one that then you could have a potential outbreak.
immunosuppression and smoking. The most automatically and consistently takes readings Additionally, should there be a fault in the hot
susceptible group of people are males, adults over a regular time period and sends this water the risk of contamination is increased if
over 45, smokers, alcoholics, diabetics and information to the person responsible for its and when it is distributed at lower
those with cancer or chronic respiratory or monitoring. temperatures.
ement
kidney disease. Even with TMV’s in place you should still
It is caused by the bacterium Legionella Common Misconceptions monitor the temperature of your water
pneumophila and related bacteria which Poorly advised monitoring or inaccuracies system. The Approved code of practice
grows when certain conditions are present, in data collection can be fatal. There are states that regular monitoring of both hot and
particularly in water systems. Particle spray many misconceptions in the field of cold water temperatures should be carried
from taps or water cooling tanks are a Legionella monitoring causing both dangers out on the input to TMV’s on a sentinel basis,
common source of infection, attacking to human lives and costs from government monitoring the temperature control regime.
victims who breathe in the particles which issued fines. Partial knowledge can be as
find their way deep into the lungs. dangerous as no knowledge when dealing Action
Legionella may, and often is present with Legionella. A common misconception Full government guidelines of the do’s
within a water system but is not among those monitoring is that a Legionella and don’ts of Legionella Monitoring can be
dangerous unless the conditions support Monitoring system is not necessary if a found in ‘The control of legionella bacteria in
its growth. Therefore it is vital that these Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) is in place. water systems Approved Code of Practice &
conditions are accurately monitored. Its This is not the case. Guidance L8’. It is vital that these guidelines
prevention is your responsibility. The truth is, although it can appear to aid are properly understood in order that
your Legionella control, the TMV is not defences are built high in the battle against
Your responsibility designed for this purpose and so is Legionella outbreaks. In producing these
By ensuring that water temperatures are ineffective. TMVs were originally designed to guidelines the government has made us
kept outside of prime growth temperatures prevent scolding at the outlet when hot responsible and we must act on the
(20-50°C) facilities managers can ensure water systems distribute water at very high information we have. If you are unsure about
Legionella does not fester and grow within temperatures. Distributing the hot water at whether you have taken the necessary steps
their system. Usual practice is to take high temperatures (in excess of 60˚C) will to prevent a fatal Legionella outbreak in your
temperature readings manually to ensure eliminate Legionella, but once this water has building, contact a reputable Legionella
that this does not happen. passed through a TMV risks increase at as it specialist or monitoring system supplier
However, recent doubts over how mixes with the cold supply especially on (such as Radio-Tech) for more information.
accurate and therefore safe this is have infrequently used outlets. Should the cold Whatever you do, don’t wait for an outbreak
called for a new measurement and water supply be the source of contamination, to prompt you.
Radio-Tech Limited
Pioneers in Wireless Technology
Energy Management Legionella Monitoring
The UK’s leading wireless Automatic, wireless
hardware provider Legionella Monitoring System
Are you using the best equipment on the market?
New to the market place!
KEY BENEFITS
KEY BENEFITS
• Long range – up to 2km wireless transmitters
• Remote temperature monitoring
• GPRS data concentrators
• Reduce your costs and carbon footprint
• Web hosting
• Improved data and reliability
• ATEX approved gas transmitters
• L8 compliance (meets new
• Pulse output for water/electricity
government regulations)
RT COM
DATA
LEGION
DATA
LOGGER
LOGGER
SENSOR
IN THE
FIELD
Used by Software Providers, Facilities Managers
Used by Councils, NHS, Facilities Managers and Universities
Plcs, Social and Corporate responsibility
Call NOW for a trial and more details 01279 636324
www.radio-tech.co.uk sales@radio-tech.co.uk
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