Water Safety
LEGIONELLA
Legionella is found naturally in the environment and potable water. High concentrations may result in legionellosis, including Legionnaires’ disease.
Legionella bacteria grow well in low-flowing or stagnant waters with temperatures ranging between 25-50o C. It is found in faulty plumbing, showers, whirlpools, cooling towers or e.g. mist machines. Infection is caused by inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosols. SGI Compliance helps prevent the growth of Legionella by taking and analysing water samples periodically. A BRL6010 certified company, SGI Compliance also performs risk analyses and develop risk management plans.
PRIORITY INSTALLATIONS
Some locations run an extra risk of spreading the legionella bacteria in large quantities and/or among a vulnerable group of people.
Locations with a priority installation, such as a hospital, accommodation facility, or wellness facility, you are legally obligated to implement Legionella prevention measures. This includes identifying and managing the risks associated with Legionella. Legionella bacteria can pose a significant risk when present in high concentrations in water systems. Take action and ensure you have a Legionella risk analysis and management plan in place.
DUTY OF CARE
The duty of care for Legionella means that owners of collective drinking water installations must ensure clean and safe drinking water.
All locations that provide collective drinking water have a duty of care, even if they are not classified as priority installations. Non-priority locations have lower risks associated with them. Therefore, the requirements for these locations are less strict. The government expects these organizations to take responsibility for Legionella prevention. There are no specific legal regulations for this. As a result, duty of care organizations are allowed to determine how they demonstrate compliance with the duty of care.
WATER TESTING
Prolonged heating or cooling of potable water changes its composition. As a result, drinking water may become unsafe.
Water testing gives insight into the water quality, detecting the presence of harmful micro-organisms such as E.coli and any changes in the chemical composition. Assessment shows whether the water quality still meets the Health & Safety standards. SGI Compliance helps carry out these water analyses. Central heating systems are tested periodically, but also after breakdown. And swimming pools are tested as part of compulsory hygiene and safety inspections.
CHECK VALVE INSPECTION
Water processing systems are equipped with backflow preventers, to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the potable water supply system.
For this reason, central heating filling loops, fire-hose reels, industrial equipment and even coffee machines have check valves. Check valves are essential for healthy and safe drinking water. However, scale deposit and wear can disrupt proper operation. SGI Compliance helps prevent the risks by testing check valves periodically. An inspection label showing date and status is attached to each check valve and the client receives a digital inspection report.