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/ Point-of-use filters




                                   CONTROLLING WATERBORNE                     CURRENT GUIDANCE
                                   HEALTH RISKS

                                   Water, essential for hygiene, can also be a source  HSE guidance HSG274 Part 2 (2014) and DHSC
                                   of infection if its quality is not controlled.  Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 04-01
                                   The proliferation of bacteria (Legionella spp.,  Part B (2016) provide guidance for the control
                                   Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.) in the water supply  of Legionella in hot and cold water systems
                                   or in mixers and taps may cause serious infections,  and on providing safe water in healthcare
                                   especially for vulnerable people.          premises respectively
                                                                              Point-of-use filters prevent the discharge of planktonic
                                   Water systems in all buildings open to the public  Legionella from the tap and shower outlets
                                   should be monitored for Legionella (e.g. hotels   and may be used to provide water free of P. aeruginosa.
              BIOFIL filter for     and holiday accommodation, campsites, detention   They should be used primarily as a temporary measure
              mixers and taps      centres, etc.) and not just healthcare facilities.  until a permanent, safe engineering solution is
                                   The HSE Approved Code of Practice and Guidance  developed, although long-term use of such filters
                                   (ACOP) document L8 states that duty holders should:  may be needed in some healthcare situations.
                                   identify and assess sources of risk of exposure    They may also be considered where a high level
                                   to Legionella; put in place precautions to prevent    of disinfection of water systems may dislodge biofilm.
                                   or control that risk; and monitor these measures    Point-of-use micro-filters with a 0.2µm membrane
                                   to ensure that they remain effective. This applies    constitute a means for removing Legionella
                                   in all circumstances where the Health and Safety    and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water drawn off
                                   at Work Act 1974 applies.                  from the system.

                                   The prevention of health risks associated with   HTM 04-01 Part C (2016) provides advice
                                   pathogenic bacteria in water systems should be a   on managing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
                                   constant concern for public buildings, and in particular   in augmented care units
                                   healthcare facilities (see the current guidance   For direct contact with augmented care patients,
                                   opposite).                                 water of a known satisfactory quality should be used,
              BIOFIL spout filter                                              that is, either: water where testing has shown absence
              for BIOCLIP mixers and taps                                     of P. aeruginosa; or water supplied through
                                   The BIOFIL range of point-of-use filters provides
                                   a preventative or curative solution to secure the water   a POU filter; or sterile water (for example, for skin
                                   quality at the point-of-use and protect the health    contact for babies in neonatal intensive care units).
                                   of the user.
                                                                              HSG274 Part 2 states that monitoring
                                                                              for Legionella should be carried out:
                                                                              - when water is treated with biocides and when
                                                                                 distribution temperatures are reduced from HSE
                                                                                 guidelines.
                                                                              - where water treatment regime control levels are not
                                                                                 being consistently achieved.
                                                                              - where there is a high-risk of contamination e.g.
                                                                                 hospitals and care homes.
                                                                              - where an outbreak of legionellosis has been
                                                                                 identified.
              BIOFIL shower head filter                                        When a sample identifies a Legionella count above
                                                                              100 CFU/Litre (Colony Forming Unit) an immediate
                                                                              review of the control measures and risk assessment
                                                                              should be carried out to identify any remedial action
                                                                              required. Disinfection of the system should also be
                                                                              considered.
                                                                              Point-of-use micro-filters are a means to restore
                                                                              the bacteriological quality of water at the point-of-use
                                                                              (anti-Legionella and all-germ tap filters and shower
                                                                              heads, etc.).






              BIOFIL filter
              for wall-mounted showers















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