WATER SYSTEM SAFETY
AE: beware water treatment firms’ ‘magic bullet claims’
IHEEM-registered AE (Water), Steve Mount, says that with ever-increasing focus on maintaining healthcare facilities’ water supplies in a safe and compliant condition, but limited budgets, healthcare engineers and other personnel specifying products that purport to effectively treat and purify such water need to be extremely wary of unvalidated, exaggerated, or false product claims. Good, validated evidence of systems’ real-world performance and effectiveness over time is vital, he concludes.
We live in times where Estates and Facilities management budgets and funds are limited. In the water hygiene and safety sphere, this his may lead to pressure from water treatment companies to sell their products and services in a more aggressive manner; after all, we all need to make a living. This can lead to the marketing of ‘magic bullet’ solutions, which may not live up to the claims made. Beware of false claims, deceptive sales
pitches, inaccurate water quality data, and scare tactics used by some water treatment companies to sell expensive and unnecessary water treatment products and units. You need to ask yourself: ‘Do we need this; does it work, and how much is it going to cost?’
Water hygiene products When it comes to building water hygiene products, there are several factors to consider, such as cost, quality, safety, effectiveness, and compliance with relevant regulations. In the UK, there are strict guidelines and regulations in place to ensure the safety and hygiene of building water systems. These regulations aim to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella, and maintain the quality of the water supply. Water treatment companies recognise the potential market opportunities, and have produced numerous products to help maintain water quality. Common UK building water hygiene products may include: n Water treatment chemicals: These products help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in water systems. They can include disinfectants, biocides, corrosion inhibitors, and scale inhibitors.
n Water filters: These are used to remove impurities and contaminants from the water supply, such as microorganisms, sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, or organic compounds. They can be installed at various points in the building’s water system.
n Water testing kits: These kits are used to monitor the quality of the water and identify any potential issues. They may include test strips or reagents to detect the presence of bacteria, chemicals, or other contaminants.
n Water temperature control devices: These devices help regulate and monitor the temperature of the water to prevent the growth of bacteria like Legionella. They may include thermostatic mixing valves, electronic mixing valves, or temperature monitoring systems.
n Check valves: Check valves are used in plumbing systems to ensure that the flow of water is unidirectional.
Standards and legal obligations To ensure compliance with regulations and best practices, building water hygiene products in the UK should be designed and manufactured according to industry standards. This may include adherence to guidelines provided by organisations like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), and the Water Management Society (WMS).
Non-validated building water hygiene
products in the UK refer to products that have not undergone the necessary testing or certification to ensure their efficacy, safety, and compliance, with relevant regulations. These products may not meet the required standards, and could potentially pose risks to the water quality and hygiene in buildings.
Risks from non-validated products It is important to note that using non- validated products for building water hygiene can have serious consequences – including the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Legionella and Pseudomonas, and the potential for waterborne illnesses. As previously stated, the UK has specific regulations and guidelines in place to protect public health and maintain the safety of water systems in buildings, so it is crucial to adhere to these standards. It is recommended to choose products
that have been validated and approved by reputable organisations or regulatory bodies. Look for products that carry certifications or comply with relevant standards such as those established by
Legionella bacteria. September 2023 Health Estate Journal 47
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