Legionnaire's disease is a potentially deadly flu-like condition caused by toxic amounts of legionella bacteria. The illness is rare but deadly, and efforts must be taken to prevent legionella bacteria from growing in water systems.
The legionella bacteria are found in all water systems and, under the correct circumstances, can be deadly. The bacterium causes significant sickness when breathed as water droplets. It must be managed due to the danger to public health.
Dental practices owe a duty of care to their patients and employees, and they must safeguard them from harm. It is the employer's or the person in charge of a premises' legal obligation to organise water safety tests and monitor the danger of legionella. You are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to follow the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8.
Why Are Dental Practices High Risk?
Legionella thrives in warm water, but hot water systems are equally vulnerable. Legionnaires' disease is developed by inhaling water vapour, therefore water spray poses a danger. Stagnant water systems facilitate the growth of legionella bacteria.
At risk areas for dental practices include:
Toilets and sinks
Washing facilities
Patient sinks and rinsing taps
Equipment washing facilities
Water storage tanks
There is a danger wherever humans come into touch with water, especially spray. Water that has been left standing, such as a toilet that hasn't been flushed since the weekend, may increase the danger. Legionella testing for dental clinics determines your level of risk.
How To Minimise The Risk
Regular legionella risk assessments and monitoring are the best strategy to reduce and control the legionella bacteria risk. Arranging a site inspection with a competent risk assessor assists you in being safe and compliant. They evaluate your dental practice's water hygiene and safety.
During the survey, the risk assessor looks for any sources of water. This might include things like taps, toilets, cleaning and washing facilities, and tanks. They will get access to all of the water systems on your property and collect readings.
The findings will be presented to you in the form of a report, and any necessary corrective actions will be quoted for. We provide you an overview of what monitoring is necessary to be compliant after doing an initial legionella risk assessment.
We hope this post has given you a better understanding of legionella testing for dental clinics. Do you need a water treatment company to keep your dental office safe and compliant? Contact our staff to learn more about the water treatment services necessary to keep your company compliant.
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