RISK MANAGEMENT
We need reliable testing and new technologies. Many infrastructure and resource verification tests are time- sensitive.
AS2031:2012 Water Quality - Sampling for microbiological analysis (see Table 1) outlines the maximum sample retention time for commonly sampled hospital items. It highlights the importance of sending samples to the laboratory within a specified timeframe to ensure accurate results. Even small delays in microbiology samples can amplify or decrease results, generating either a false negative or false positive outcome. This can have catastrophic consequences for facility management; an unexpected Legionella outbreak or an unnecessary ward closure would be devastating.
Remote and regional hospitals Remote and regional hospitals who do not have timely access to accredited laboratories can now benefit from Reliable Rapid Technologies. CETEC, a technical risk consultancy, deploys accredited chemists and microbiologists to both test and analyse Legionella and bacteria in water and air on site. Dr Paulo Da Silva, Principal Consultant – Dangerous Goods and Laboratory Design at CETEC, attests: “These checks have recognition worldwide, and NATA accreditation. We’ve independently verified thousands of samples in-house against lab analysis, and we’re seeing strong confluence in data. It’s a game- changer. Hospitals we’re working with can get on-the-spot results they can trust, and peace of mind that they are making optimum operational decisions.”
Additionally, good consultants will be able to offer further testing options and work towards a Risk Management Plan for training, test equipment, and support. CETEC offers resources and training so you can conduct basic routine tests independently, such as Chlorine, TDS, and Mycometer.
Table 1: Maximum sample storage times and temperatures prior to laboratory analysis – as set out in AS2031:2012 Water Quality – Sampling for microbiological analysis.
Test
General • Culturable microorganisms (22˚C, 30˚C or 36˚C)
Faecal indicators, vegetative bacteria • E. coli (and coliform bacteria) • Enterococci
• Clostridium perfringens (vegetative cells)
Spores
• Spores of sulfite-reducing bacteria (Clostridium spp.)
Viruses • Bacteriophages
Faecal pathogens • Salmonella spp. and other Enterobacteriaceae • Cryptosporidium oocysts • Giardia cysts • Enteroviruses
Other microorganisms • Amoebae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Legionella spp. • Cyanobacteria
• Campylobacter (thermophilic spp.) • Helminth eggs
A multidisciplinary solution works Due to the cost of travel, there is a significant benefit in engaging multidisciplinary consultants who can manage water risk, air risk, and dangerous goods compliance in a single visit. By creating economies of scale, you can reduce both your outgoing and time expenses, managing one versus many different sub-contractors.
24 hours 48 hours
12 hours 24 hours 24 hours 48 hours
24 hours 8 hours 24 hours 48 hours 24 hours 48 hours
5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C
5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C
5˚C ± 3˚C ambient
5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C 5˚C ± 2˚C 5˚C ± 3˚C
'De-risk' so you understand how to manage environmental events Compared to their city counterparts, many country hospitals face the elevated challenge of managing bushfire smoke, ambient dust, flooding, and mould. As a result, it’s important to de-risk. A baseline knowledge of a building’s airtightness and its indoor environment quality will inform you of the facility’s
12 hours 5˚C ± 3˚C
Maximum sample storage time
(including transport) Storage
temperature (˚C)
8 hours
5˚C ± 3˚C
February 2021 Health Estate Journal 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
