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KEEPING YOUR SHOWER HEAD, HOSE, AND DISINFECTION CLEAN
Legionella bacteria is a dangerous microorganism that can thrive in warm, stagnant water and cause Legionnaires' disease. This serious illness can be contracted through the inhalation of water droplets, such as those generated by shower heads. In order to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella, it is crucial to maintain a clean and hygienic shower system. This includes regular cleaning, descaling, and disinfection of shower heads and hoses.
The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 is a set of guidelines for controlling the risk of Legionnaires' disease from water systems. According to ACoP, showers must be regularly cleaned, descaled, and disinfected in order to control the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Limescale and minerals become food sources for bacteria if left unchecked. Thus, preventing biofilm from forming and monitoring facilities constantly is crucial to prevent legionella from contaminating equipment and putting people at risk.
Maintaining a clean shower head and hose means frequent maintenance to avoid diseases such as legionella. Technical guidance from the Health and Safety Executive states “Quarterly or as indicated by the rate of fouling or other risk factors, eg areas with high-risk patients" (2014). Keep your water systems up-to-date and compliant with government guidelines with a preventative plan from SMS Environmental.
Shower Head Cleaning:
To comply with ACoP, shower heads must be cleaned regularly to remove any mineral deposits that may restrict water flow and create an environment conducive to Legionella growth. SMS Environmental has years of experience helping businesses maintain a safe and compliant environment.
Hose Descaling:
Like shower heads, hoses can also develop mineral deposits that restrict water flow and create an environment favourable to Legionella growth. Descaling hoses is essential to maintain water flow and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. ACoP states “All systems require a risk assessment, however not all systems will require elaborate control measures.”(HSE, 2013) SMS Environmental's comprehensive legionella risk assessment service includes on-site assessments, risk assessments, and written reports with clear recommendations for improvement.
Disinfection:
Bacteria, mould, and mildew can thrive in moist environments like shower hoses and heads. Regular disinfection using a bleach solution or specialised disinfectant helps to kill these harmful microbes and prevent the growth of new ones. ACoP requires that showers be disinfected regularly to control the risk of Legionella growth and spread. Consistency and monitoring are so important when it comes to bacterial risks, SMS Environmental services are designed to give you peace of mind and protect your business from costly fines and legal issues.
As a result, maintaining a clean and hygienic shower system is essential for your health. Regular cleaning, descaling, and disinfection are key components of ACoP compliance and play a critical role in protecting public health. By taking the necessary steps to properly maintain shower heads and hoses, building owners and managers can ensure the safety of their water systems and avoid the risk of Legionnaires' disease.