Legionella Treatment for Hospitals & Healthcare
Hospitals and Care Homes present a legionella risk to patients or residents who are vulnerable through their age, may be immuno-compromised, suffering post-operative vulnerability or have respiratory disorders. The risk is identified through exposure to water droplets from showers, baths, toilets etc. Furthermore, visitors and members of staff can be equally at risk from infection.
Historically cold water has been considered safe from the risk of Legionella if stored and distributed at below 20°C, since the bacteria are dormant below this temperature. This is not always possible with roof-top or attic tanks in the summer, or with cold water pipes sharing ducts with hot water or steam distribution pipes.
Hot water was always considered to have a greater risk of contamination, particularly at temperatures under 48°C. For this reason, health-care facilities often raise hot water temperatures above 65°C at the calorifier. To compensate for scalding risk, thermostatic mixer valves have to be fitted. Unfortunately TMVs are extremely difficult to keep legionella-free, since blending hot with cold water revives the dormant legionella in the cold water supply. Furthermore, in hard water areas, higher temperatures increase scaling problems, reducing thermal efficiency and providing feedstock for bacteria as biofilm.
The Tarn-Pure™ Silver/Copper ionization system of water treatment eliminates all of the above. The process is approved under the Health & Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice and Guidance "The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems" document L8 for the United Kingdom, is recognised in the "European Guidelines for Control and Prevention of Travel Associated Legionnaires' Disease", and is proven and accepted in many other countries, including the USA.
Tarn-Pure equipment releases controlled low levels of silver and copper ions into the water system (within EU and WHO limits for drinking water) to provide a residual disinfection through the whole water system being treated.
Tarn-Pure™ equipment is installed in over 120 Hospitals and numerous Nursing/Care homes in the UK and the rest of the world.
For more information, please contact us.
