HEALTHCARE & HOSPITALS “IN AN UNFILTERED TAP, THE WATER


THAT ACCUMULATES AT THE NOZZLE WILL HAVE BACTERIA IN IT.”


SANITISING REGIME For systems that do not self-clean,


the nozzle and surrounding areas should be wiped down with anti- septic wipes or sanitising spray as often as possible. A closed-off or protected nozzle makes it less likely germs will enter the drinking water system. If there is a drip tray, check, empty and clean it twice a day. Clean with sanitising spray or sanitising wipes and if there is a scale build-up on the drip tray lid, remove and clean with a mild descaler.


The facilities manager, manufacturer or supplier should carry out a monthly inspection of the system, monitoring to see if flow-rates and temperature levels are correct. If the system allows sparkling water, CO2 levels should also be checked.


In an unfiltered tap, the water that accumulates at the tap nozzle will have bacteria in it and research has shown that after 120 minutes, this bacterium is liable to travel back up and into the water system. In the critical care environment of a hospital, this is dangerous and could seriously impact health.


Many hospitals have replaced their original water coolers with filtered water systems, but haven’t necessarily considered the cleaning requirements of the new systems. In this complex environment where cleanliness is paramount, a hospital would have to employ someone to clean all the tap nozzles every hour to prevent bacteria, which doesn’t seem cost effective when there might be as many as 100 units, and when there are alternatives available.


Hospitals could better manage their drinking water service by reducing the amount of systems in place, and replacing them with fewer, but more effective, self-cleaning machines. There are filtered water systems available, which constantly self-clean the nozzle to kill off bacteria, and


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have a filter that further prevents this bacterium travelling.


Another important aspect of a drinking water system in a hospital is the ease of use and accessibility of the water. In a complex hospital site, drinking water should be readily available for everyone to have immediate access to, and dispense water as they wish – for the busy nurses and doctors, patients and visitors.


By investing in a system that is mains- fed and filters and purifies at source, a hospital can also significantly reduce its carbon footprint, in comparison to buying in pre-bottled water. This kind of system will also reduce time spent ordering bottled water as well as the space required to store it.


The recommendation is therefore for a hospital to invest in a self-cleaning system with several units placed around the site – but not necessarily as many as there are currently. It would be better to be over cleaned and under located, rather than the other way around, and give everyone the peace of mind that the water available for patients, staff and visitors is always bacteria free.


With good quality filters, it is recommended that the system is sanitised at least once every six months. Isolate the system, use a suitable sanitising solution fluid and clean the equipment thoroughly. Where necessary, filters should be replaced to ensure that the system continues to produce high-quality, purified water for the next six months.


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CASE STUDY It is now eight years since the first use of BRITA’s drinking water dispensers to supply the patients, visitors, and nursing staff at Krankenhaus Nordwest with water.


At clinical level, some 40 BRITA drinking water systems are in cross-ward use – and rising. The annual requirement for sparkling and still water is roughly 220,000 litres. Introducing the systems made it possible to increase efficiency and save space, without having to compromise on the quality of the clinical processes.


BRITA’s drinking water systems facilitate supplying patients with fresh water and thanks to the patented Ionox Hygiene Solution, perfectly hygienic drinking water around the clock.


TOMORROW’S FM | 21


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