Sterilisation & Disinfection

WHY IS IT NEEDED?

There are two standards that relate directly to disinfection of systems, they are BS 6700 which refers to new installations and HS(G)70 which deals with the control of Legionella and legionnaires disease.

BS 6700 states that new installations should be disinfected and this standard details the oxidising agent and contact times to be used.

HS(G)70 is an ongoing disinfection schedule that details a risk assessment and disinfection of all water systems that may harbour Legionella or other water borne bacteria. While these standards are not law in Ireland it is considered good practice to disinfect any system that may lead to an outbreak of Legionnaires disease which, could prove costly to a company who had not taken sufficient measures to reduce the risk of exposure to their employees.

WHAT IS STERILISATION & DISINFECTION?

Sterilisation is the killing of all bacteria. This is usually achieved by increasing the heat of the system beyond that which bacteria can live. This is carried out in hot water systems.

Disinfection is the reduction of the number of micro-organisms to a level which is unharmful for a specific purpose, disinfection is usually achieved by introducing a chemical oxidising agent to the system for a contact period.

Top of page.

WHAT SHOULD BE DISINFECTED?

New water mains.
New pure water loops.
New Domestic water installations.

Any system that could harbour bacteria and especially any that could favour the breeding of Legionella, these would be

Cooling Towers
Condensers
Calorifiers
Heat Exchangers
Domestic Cold Water Distribution Systems and Tanks.
Domestic Hot Water Distribution Systems and Tanks, especially systems with Shower Heads.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SYSTEM BE DISINFECTED?

A risk assessment on the system should be carried out regularly for example every 6-12 months and disinfection would then be as required. However high risk areas such as Cooling Towers, Calorifiers, Domestic Holding Tanks and Distribution systems should be disinfected at least every 12 months.

WHY USE CLARWICK LTD.

We disinfect new pipe work installation in accordance with BS6700. We carry out full risk assessment of existing hot and cold water systems and where necessary we carry out disinfection of pipe work and systems in accordance with HS(G)70. We provide certification of disinfection and employ the services of an independent laboratory to carry out a Legionella and bacteria analysis after we have completed the disinfection. Sterilisation services are available for hot water systems, example Calorifiers and associated pipe work. We provide a completely documented service. Our Sop's are available for your inspection.

Top of page.