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Articles and Links TOP This page contains an example of articles that have been published by the company illustrating our commitment to the safe operating of water systems through comprehensive training and education of staff to deliver the best service to customers. A useful links section is also included, this provides link to other organisations that operate in similar fields to ourselves, or that provide services to the water industry. Please make your selection below.
SPA DECONTAMINATION AND SAFE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE GUIDE AVAILABLE IN OUR SHOP SHORTLY - WATCH THIS SPACE! WE ALSO PRODUCE SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR THE DECONTAMINATION OF INFECTED SPA BATHS AND REAL TIME MICROBIAL TEST EQUIPMENT FOR MANAGING THESE SENSITIVE FACILITIES - BE PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE
Commercial Spas - Solving The Water Puzzle Introduction. Spa bath have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. It is mainly due to the therapeutic benefits of water and heat that they have stood the test of time. Recent alarms have brought these facilities into the spotlight. It must be under stood that the two principle ingredients in a spa i.e., heat and water are also two key ingredients for the spread of infections via bacteria. Good housekeeping. It is essential that physical and chemical cleaning is carried out to a high standard to prevent the growth of bacteria to dangerous levels; this should be complement by constant monitoring and control of disinfectant and water chemistry within the body of spa water. It is a fact that if the water has the recommended disinfectant level, is properly cleaned and diluted then the risk of contamination is very low. This in turn will eliminate the harm full legionella, pseudomonas, and e-coli bacteria to name a few. Consideration should be given to a rest periods during the day these would be after periods of heavy bathing and would allow the purification system to recover. Training. Generic and site-based training are essential in producing safe hygienic water. Training starts with the installer who should provide the first practical meaningful documented training this should be supplemented by a generic course, which provides a basic knowledge of water treatment for the prospective operator. The Institute Of Sport And Recreation Management can provide the latter with both their Spa Operators and Pool Plant Operators courses. Site based procedures can be developed and integrated into Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans. Duty of care must be present, actioned, and documented. It must be emphasised that on going meaningful training is an essential part of the operation process. Risk Assessments. Persons who carry risk assessments and draw up the precautionary measures to prevent exposure or control the risk of exposure should have the such ability, experience, instruction, training and resources available to carry out the tasks competently and safely. They should also know the potential sources of risks, measure precautions to be adopted for the protection of people concerned, introduce measures to ensure the controls remain effective. In simple terms risk assessment should be carried out, monitored and acted upon. It is also a duty of the operator to appoint a person to take day-to-day responsibility for controlling any identified risk from Legionella. Recommendations for the use and control of spas. The main document for the control of spa water is contained in the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group publication “Swimming Pool Water Treatment And Quality Standards” There a number of key recommendations we should be aware of: 1. A dilution policy of 30 litres of fresh water per bathes per day! This means we must dump water at a controlled rate, it essential we know our usage. 2. Bathers shower before use to wash away unwanted debris such as perspiration, body fats, cosmetics etc. Elements, which can act as, feed for bacteria and use up disinfectants. Good showering facilities are essential. 3. Controlling water chemistry including the Disinfectant, Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Total Alkalinity. 4. Monitoring and thorough cleaning of spa filters. Incorrect operation and maintenance can cause serious colonisation of filter units. The 2 most common types of filters are pressure sand and Diatomaceous Earth filters. Both require specific maintenance. In addition it is recommended that the water in busy spas should be tested at least once per month for microbial activity. In busy spas it may be necessary to test more frequently. Legal ResponsibilitiesMany operators are not aware of their legal responsibilities; let us consider the following statement “ONCE WATER HAS PASSED FROM THE WATER COMPANIES MAINS INTO A BUILDING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT WATER THEN PASSES ON TO THE OPERATOR OR OWNER” The relevant legislation is: HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT, CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH, REPORTING OF INJURIES DISEASES AND DANGEROUS OCCURRENCES. So once we have water on our premises we have a legal responsibility to ensure it is safe for our staff and customers. This legislation is further reinforced by Legionella legislation. The nature of spas, in particular the production of fine spray through agitation, renders them susceptible to the virulent Legionella Pneumophilia bacterium. Typical Daily Check List.
The value of daily shock dosing Used in conjunction with thorough physical cleaning the shock dose of a spa can provide a valuable chemical clean. Normally a chlorine donor is used and the Free Chlorine elevated, the whole system is soaked with the saturated solution to allow contact time with any residual bacteria thus eliminating them. The system is then backwashed drained and flushed through before refilling. Automatic dosing system. The presence of an automatic dosing system is essential for any commercial spa. This allows constant monitoring and necessary dosing of disinfectant and pH balance chemicals. It is essential that any automatic system be manually checked at least 3 times per day, to ensure correct operation. Water balance is another series of checks that apply to the spa. Any breakdown of the automatic system must be treated as an emergency since the constant monitoring and dosing is essential in the control of bacteria. Consideration should be given to closure if recommended chemical levels cannot be attained. Bacterial Contamination. Due to the conditions that prevail within a commercial spa, if chemical levels cannot be maintained, then bacteria can multiply very quickly. The organisms will thrive due to the temperature close to body temperature, organic feed from body debris and the perfect medium – water. Un cleaned surfaces and water with low disinfectant levels provide an ideal harbour for bacteria. Conclusion. The need for high levels of cleanliness and control are essential in the battle against bacteria. The most important item on your priority list should be “good house keeping” Reference Documents. SWIMMING POOL WATER TREATMENT AND QUALITY STANDARDS (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group ISBN 0-951-7007-6-6). MANAGING HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SWIMMING POOLS (Sport England and Health & Safety Commission ISBN 0-7176-1388-7) LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE THE CONTROL OF LEGIONELLA BACTERIA IN WATER SYSTEMS (ISBN 0-7176-1772-6) About the authors: Robbie Phillips is a freelance aquatic consultant specialising in pools and spas. Steve Bosher is an industrial microbiologist. They carry out chemical and microbiological surveys and decontamination of infected units. ©Copyright March 2003
Leisure Industry Links Swimming Teachers Association www.sta.co.uk Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management www.ilam.co.uk Institute of Sport and Recreation Management www.isrm.co.uk Water Management Links Water Management Society www.wmsoc.org.uk The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group www.pwtag.org Spa Organisations Links Whatspa www.whatspa.com British and Irish Hot Tub Association www.bishta.co.uk Health and Safety Links Institute of Occupational Safety and Health www.iosh.co.uk Chartered Institute of environmental Health www.cieh.org Health Protection Agency www.hpa.org.uk The Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk Facts on Legionella www.legionella.org HSE Legionella information www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires European Working Group for Legionella Infections www.ewgli.org
BBC news article on Legionella in spas
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3651640.stm
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