WATER HYGIENE & SAFETY
arrangements can be made – this will need to be discussed at a local level; confirming that the fittings to be used are of a suitable quality and standard – including, where required, that all non- metallic components conform to BS 6920; confirming also that the system design includes adequate backflow protection arrangements, and identifying where there is a risk of stagnation or cross-connection. No one wants those on site to be exposed to any unnecessary risks.
Although, in the main, emergency healthcare facilities, such as the Nightingale hospitals, are limited to nursing care and body storage, that is not always the case; some provide on-site accommodation and a range of laboratory and laundry/washing services, all adding risk. To confirm compliance, water fittings teams need to know about all the water fittings and appliances that are going to be installed, together with their intended use, and assess the health risks posed by all components in a system. For water companies to carry out this statutory duty, they require an accurate schematic of the plumbing systems, and a schedule of the water fittings to be used. Many water companies are extremely concerned, possibly due to a combination of time pressures or lack of awareness, that to date very limited information has been shared with them. Without this information it is difficult and time- consuming to confirm statutory compliance, a situation which can lead to delays on site.
Backflow
The water fittings regulations/byelaws define contamination by fluid categories, the highest level being level 5, something which poses a serious health hazard. Due to the risk of exposure to fluid category 5 contaminants, hospitals, mortuaries, and nursing facilities are considered to be ‘high risk’ premises. For this reason, a water company will require up to three levels of backflow protection.
Fluid categories
The regulations list five fluid categories (below), which reflect the impact and risk to public health should a fluid of this category contaminate the drinking water supply. n Fluid Category 1: Wholesome water supplied by the water undertaker and meeting the requirements for drinking water.
n Fluid Category 2: Water which would be in fluid category 1, except that its aesthetic quality is impaired owing to a change in its temperature, or the presence of a substance or organisms causing a change in its taste, odour, or appearance, including water in hot water distribution systems.
36 Health Estate Journal June 2020 Zone protection Site boundary Water
undertaker’s main
Individual
applications, each with their own backflow prevention as required
Backflow protection required; consult your water company
Figure 1: Zone backflow protection.
n Fluid Category 3: Fluid which represents a slight health hazard because of the concentration of substances of low toxicity, including any fluid which contains: ethylene glycol, copper sulphate solution, or similar chemical additives; or sodium hypochlorite (chloros or common disinfectants).
n Fluid Category 4: Fluid which represents a significant health hazard because of the concentration of toxic substances, including any fluid which
contains: carcinogenic substances, pesticides (including herbicides and insecticides), or environmental organisms of potential health significance.
n Fluid Category 5: Fluid representing a serious health hazard because of the concentration of pathogenic organisms, radioactive, or very toxic substances, including any fluid which contains: faecal material or other human waste, butchery or other animal waste, or pathogens from any other source.
Water for fire services
Wholesome water
Better communication is needed between those responsible for work on new or existing plumbing systems, and water companies’ water fittings teams.
©Surapol Usanakul/
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