WATER SYSTEM SAFETY
Digital systems for accurate temperature monitoring
Craig Holmes, Design, & Health, Safety, Environment and Quality manager at Dart Valley Systems, outlines a practical approach to safe management of hospital and other healthcare water systems to minimise the risk of Legionella colonisation, and, in turn, prevent patients contracting Legionnaires' disease.
Legionnaires’ disease – a potentially lethal disease that can thrive in hot and cold water systems, remains an ever- present threat in the UK, with a correspondingly robust duty of care placed on Estates, Facilities, and Asset managers, and those responsible for Legionella compliance.
Legionella in context Legionella bacteria are commonplace in natural aquatic features such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but the prevailing conditions there mean that Legionella is rarely a threat to human health in these open environments. The risk of infection from Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria can greatly increase in purpose- built water systems, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems, and spa pools. In such situations, the bacteria can multiply and thrive to become a very real danger to human health.
Legionnaires’ disease Legionella bacteria are responsible for several diseases which are collectively known as legionellosis – including Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever. The most serious is Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia that has the potential to be fatal. Everyone is susceptible, but the
risk of contracting a severe form of Legionnaires’ disease increases with age, certain lifestyle factors, and pre-existing health issues. In the case of COVID-19 and ‘long COVID’ patients, it seems reasonable to assume that exposure to Legionella could have serious consequences. People catch legionellosis diseases by breathing in small droplets of water – sometimes referred to as aerosols - which contain the bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar to those of ‘flu, and can include: n High temperature, coughing, fever, and chills.
n Muscular pains. n Headaches. n Diarrhoea.
The infection can progress to cause pneumonia, and sufferers may become confused or delirious. Legionnaires’ is not contagious between humans, and can be treated with erythromycin or a similar antibiotic.
The risk factors
As already stated, the risk of contracting a Legionella infection from natural water environments is small. The majority of cases arise via contact through man-made water systems, and several factors can be involved, including:
DVS says of its EZ spout: ‘This latest range of modern, minimalistic, and highly practical removable spouts are designed for the most demanding healthcare environments. The spout quickly and easily removes for servicing, ensuring minimal disruption.’
n Water temperature – waterborne pathogens can multiply when water in all or part of the system is in the range 25-45˚C.
n Formation of water droplets – certain locations where water may be released in fine droplets – such as cooling towers, horticultural ‘misting’ humidity systems, and showers, for instance – heighten the risk of inhaling bacteria.
n Stored and recirculated water – systems featuring water storage vessels and where water is contained in a closed network can provide ideal conditions for Legionella to grow.
n Infrequently used systems – pipework and storage containers where water is not regularly passing through can be prone to bacterial growth.
The risk of infection from Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria can greatly increase in purpose-built water systems, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems, and spa pools.
n Deposits in water systems – rust, scale, organic matter, biofilm, and sludge within water systems provide nutrients for bacteria which can help them survive and thrive.
November 2021 Health Estate Journal 67
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