WATER SYSTEM SAFETY ‘‘
A section of an old used tap showing dried biofilm and scale formation internally.
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), The Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS), or other recognised industry bodies. Remember, the use of non-validated building water hygiene products can have serious consequences, so it is advisable to prioritise safety and compliance when making purchasing decisions in this area.
Legal obligations It is also pertinent to remember the legal obligations in this area. The Legionella Approved Code of Practice L8 (Fourth edition), published in 2013, Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems, interprets the legal requirements, and states in paragraph 57: ‘Employing contractors or consultants does not absolve the duty-holder of responsibility for ensuring that control procedures are carried out to the standard required to prevent the proliferation of
Legionella bacteria.’ The Health and Safety at Work etc Act
1974 (HSWA) places general duties on water treatment employers to conduct their undertakings in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that people other than themselves or their employees are not exposed to risks
‘‘
to their health or safety. They should also provide adequate information regarding any aspects of their products or services that might affect their health and safety.
Non-validated water hygiene products Among the range of non-validated building water hygiene products on the market are: n Water treatment chemicals without proper certification: These could be disinfectants, biocides, or other chemicals used for water treatment, that do not have the necessary approvals or certifications to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
n Non-certified water filters: Filters that claim to remove impurities from water, but lack the appropriate certifications or testing to verify their efficiency and performance.
n Unvalidated water testing kits: Testing kits that have not been properly validated or tested to provide accurate and reliable results for monitoring water quality.
n Temperature control devices without compliance: Temperature control devices such as thermostatic mixing valves or monitoring systems that have not undergone the necessary validation or certification to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
n Non-approved water disinfection systems: Disinfection systems, such as UV sterilisers or ozone generators,
Before you decide to purchase a product, it is important to conduct thorough research, seek and read independent reviews, customer reviews, or expert opinions, and rely on reputable sources
48 Health Estate Journal September 2023
You need to ask yourself: ‘Do we need this; does it work, and how much is it going to cost?’
that have not been properly validated or certified for their effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
‘Novel’ product types garnering attention There are also some general categories of novel antimicrobial building water hygiene products that have gained attention, including: n Copper-based products: Copper has inherent antimicrobial properties, and has been incorporated into various building water systems. Copper pipes, fittings, and fixtures, have been used to help reduce the growth of bacteria, including Legionella, in water systems.
n Silver-based products: Silver has long been recognised for its antimicrobial properties. Some products incorporate silver ions or nanoparticles to inhibit microbial growth in building water systems.
n Advanced filtration systems: Advanced filtration systems can incorporate various technologies to remove or neutralise microorganisms in water. These systems may utilise ultraviolet (UV) light, ozone, or other techniques, to disinfect the water supply.
n Biofilm control products: Biofilms are slimy layers that can develop on the surfaces of pipes and fixtures, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Novel products designed to control or disrupt biofilm formation can help improve water hygiene in buildings.
Conduct thorough research It is worth noting that the availability and specific efficacy of these products in the UK may vary. To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on novel antimicrobial building water hygiene products in the UK, I recommend conducting thorough research, or consultation with industry professionals who specialise in water hygiene and treatment. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that any antimicrobial products used comply with relevant regulations and standards, and have undergone proper testing and independent validation to demonstrate their effectiveness and safety in building water systems. It’s also worth noting that the
effectiveness of any antimicrobial product depends on various factors –
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