WATER SYSTEM SAFETY The key claimed benefits of the Klarolaks system.
n Reduced man-hours and labour costs, with the dosing process ‘much less intensive’ than traditional methods.
n Simpler inventory planning and control due to longer shelf life, and generates lower wastage levels.
n Using Klarolaks helps companies adhere to their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) targets, as the smaller doses and lower frequency of deliveries help minimise carbon footprint.
n There are no complexed oxidants, minimising the formation of hazardous by-products or environmental pollutants, and further enhancing the ESG benefits.
n Healthcare providers’ reputations are safeguarded by preventing system and site shutdowns due to contamination by waterborne pathogens.
n The odour and taste of treated water remains unchanged.
Case study – Legionella outbreak in an NHS respiratory centre n The problem: To fully understand the positive implications of transitioning to this unique new chemistry, let us look at a scenario involving continued elevated counts of Legionella in an NHS respiratory centre. This particular respiratory centre relies on the adjacent hospital for its direct water supply, and experienced consistent Legionella contamination over the course of a year, with 14 out of 18
‘‘
samples detecting Legionella, with counts ranging from 25 cfu / litre to 900 cfu / litre. Before Klarolaks was introduced, no
previous treatment had been applied to address the issue. In an attempt to mitigate the problem, staff members had increased the water temperature and flushed the system, but this activity proved ineffective. The presence of Legionella continued to pose a significant threat to the well-being of patients whose respiratory systems were already compromised.
n The solution: To address the Legionella contamination, Klarolaks was constantly dosed directly into the hot and cold water systems at 0.5 ppm using a temporary dosing unit. This solution was employed over a period of three months, with regular testing conducted using a photometer to measure Chlorine Dioxide levels.
n The results: Monthly sampling was carried out throughout the three-month implementation period, to monitor the levels of Legionella. After just a month, a noticeable reduction in Legionella counts and overall bacterial levels was observed. This trend continued, and by the end of the three-month trial period, no Legionella was detected. While pre-test sampling resulted in 14 detections of Legionella, eight weeks into the study, only five
High levels of Legionella within a water system following sampling would suggest that the routine measures already deployed to prevent the bacterial growth are no longer effective. As Legionella bacteria can spread quickly under the right conditions, particularly when water temperatures range from 20-45 °C, a system disinfection may be required
58 Health Estate Journal June 2024
detections remained, all at lower levels than before Klarolaks was introduced, and four weeks thereafter only one detection remained. The final sample had completely clear results, with no detectable Legionella seen. The implementation of Klarolaks effectively rectified the contamination issue throughout the respiratory centre, and reinstated certified safety parameters on all the wards, allowing for all activities to safely resume. The utilisation of water treatment chemicals in hospital and clinical environments presents challenges, particularly concerning safety and efficacy. Traditional methods, such as Chlorine Dioxide in its gaseous form, pose significant risk and logistical complexities. Furthermore, there are elevated cost and labour demands to consider. Klarolaks offers a revolutionary solution by providing Chlorine Dioxide in a liquid format, ensuring safer handling, more stability, ease of application, and lowered costs. Its unique chemistry not only eliminates bacteria and prevents regrowth, but also reduces both the need for additional biocide dosing, and the risk of negative environmental impact. Klarolaks contains active substances either already approved or still under review as part of the GB Review Programme for the purposes of Article 89 of the United Kingdom Biocidal Product Regulations (‘BPR’). Klarolaks may therefore be sold and used for product applications falling under PT5 (drinking water) and PT11 (cooling systems), and is compliant with the requirements of Articles 89 and 95 of the BPR.
Kieran Fleming
Kieran Fleming is the Business Development manager at Synthesis Water Solutions, and has gained valuable years of experience working closely with leading water treatment specialists. He has overseen key projects, ‘offering an innovative and cost-beneficial solution for healthcare customers’, including multiple NHS Trusts and private facilities.
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