After trialing and liking, Spectrum have decided to go ahead with Digital Solutions' FormWorks system. Our engineers have been armed with iPads and Spectrum have taken a big jump towards eliminating that nasty hard copy paperwork, in favour of the environmentally-friendly, electronic kind.
FormWorks is an online data collection system, which as you know, Spectrum have been looking into for a while. Its speed, versatility and easy-to-use interface won us over and now we can offer, our clients, an even more efficient service. Technical Reports and Risk Assessments will be flown, through cyberspace, quicker than ever before. I think we need a catchphrase - from iPad to eye? (I'll keep working on that one!)
Spectrum opted to create our own forms, on the system, based on our existing hard copy ones. We found it pretty easy to load and edit forms and the only real problem we came across, in the end, was the amount of editable fields we are allowed, per form. We have a lot to say and we don't like being limited!
So if you see one of our Spectrum engineers wandering around the place, clutching an iPad, you will know what they are up to.
Please join me in crossing your fingers that we won't have any water damaged iPads.
Showing posts with label water treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water treatment. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Monday, 25 March 2013
Fernox F1 is suiable for use with Softened Water, says the HHIC
In general, we shouldn't trust rumours, but the public release of the information has come strieght from the horses mouth -
we received a PDF press release, originally from fernox explaining the details a little bit. The technical bulletin states:
"In January 2013, the water treatment group of HHIC approved the following statement concerning the use of water softeners:
Where a water softener is present in the dwelling ensure that a heating system primary circuit is filled with mains water via the general bypass valve as required within BS14173. Note: A water
softener must comply with BS14173 (this states that there must be ‘a general bypass valve which
enables the softening unit to be isolated from the mains, while maintaining water supply to the
end user’. For installation requirements, refer to WRAS Information and guidance Note No 9-07-
01 “Information for the installation of ion exchange water softeners for systems supplying water
for domestic purposes”.
Refer to boiler manufacturer’s instructions for any additional advice on softened water."
Consequently any future central heating installation where a water softener is present should not be filled with softened water.
The DWTA support this advice, however there will still be some existing installations where the primary circuit has already been filled with softened water. For these installations, the following advice is still relevant.
When a central heating system is filled with base exchanged softened water, Fernox Protector F1 will adequately protect the heating system as long as it is correctly dosed and maintained t
throughout the life of the system. The correct dose rate of Fernox Protector F1 can be verified
using either a Protector Test Kit or a Fernox System Health Check, both available from plumbing
merchants.
This recommendation is identical to that given for natural waters and indicates that Fernox Protector F1 inhibits in all water conditions."
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Legionella Found at Guernsey's King Edward VII Hospital
The BBC's statement reads:
"The water system at Guernsey's King Edward VII Hospital is due to be flushed after "unusually high levels" of the legionella bacteria were found.
A Health and Social Services Department spokesman said nobody had been infected by the bacteria.
To combat its spread the showers have been shut off, water temperature increased and staff have been briefed.
The water is due to be shut off for two hours on Tuesday so the pipes can be flushed before testing on Wednesday.
The King Edward VII has 100 beds and provides rehabilitation, continuing care and day-hospital services for patients with physical needs, mostly those aged more than 55.
The bacteria was discovered during routine testing.
Earlier this year the water systems at the island's Princess Elizabeth Hospital were also found to include high levels of legionella.
It was only reduced to "acceptable levels" after the water system had been treated twice."
Monday, 22 October 2012
UPDATED! | Hospital Wards Close Due To Legionella Scare | Hornchurch, London
------ UPDATED BELOW ------
Orig Post |
Hospital wards close as patients fall ill with suspected cases of Legionnaires Disease, reported today, 22nd October 2012.
The wards closed last Friday (19th) in St George’s Hospital in Hornchurch when the disease was suspected to be affecting patients - They moved the patients when they received a high counts of legionella in the water systems back from laboratory tests, indicating that the patients my have contracted the disease, however, no confirmed cases have been announced.
The patients at the surrounding hospitals have been closely watched over this weekend to ensure the confirmation of the diagnosis. When such details become available, we'll post an update as soon as possible.
As this is a potential legionella outbreak in the County's Capital, we are sure to see a further rise in the HSE's interest in the ACOP (L8), as previously has been seen with the latest few legionella scares. Dare we say more spot checks and closer monitoring procedures are on the horizon.
------- UPDATES 23/10/2012 -------
Out-patients are now not being admitted to the hospital due to the high legionella counts found in the
Orig Post |
Hospital wards close as patients fall ill with suspected cases of Legionnaires Disease, reported today, 22nd October 2012.
The wards closed last Friday (19th) in St George’s Hospital in Hornchurch when the disease was suspected to be affecting patients - They moved the patients when they received a high counts of legionella in the water systems back from laboratory tests, indicating that the patients my have contracted the disease, however, no confirmed cases have been announced.
The patients at the surrounding hospitals have been closely watched over this weekend to ensure the confirmation of the diagnosis. When such details become available, we'll post an update as soon as possible.
As this is a potential legionella outbreak in the County's Capital, we are sure to see a further rise in the HSE's interest in the ACOP (L8), as previously has been seen with the latest few legionella scares. Dare we say more spot checks and closer monitoring procedures are on the horizon.
------- UPDATES 23/10/2012 -------
Out-patients are now not being admitted to the hospital due to the high legionella counts found in the
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Legionella Outbreak - Stoke on Trent Update! Hot-Tub may be the Source
A hot tub is the “probable” source of an outbreak of
Legionnaires’ disease in Staffordshire, health officials have said.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said investigations were
taking place at JTF Warehouse in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, and the company was
co-operating.
A statement from the firm said: “JTF is extremely concerned
and the product has been withdrawn from all stores.”
The HPA said there had been 18 cases in the outbreak. One
patient has died.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Legionellosis Training in London - Sign Up
Legionella Awarness Training
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Call: 0870 729 0199 to chat about your requirements!
*There are 'No-obligations' or holding fee's when expressing an interest in this course! All we ask for is your name, email and telephone number, so we can contact you about the course, and we'll give you some dates that may be good for you - We'll discuss the next steps over the phone!
Need a different Course? Get in touch about the following agendas...
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
80 Cases of Legionella in an Outbreak in Scotland - and Rising!
New news from Scottish health officials telling of a legionella outbreak in the south-west of Edinburgh has seen an increase in the total number of confirmed cases -
Of those cases of the disease being treated in hospital, 15 are in intensive care and 27 are in general wards. A total of 16 cases are being treated in the community, 16 have been discharged from hospital. So far one man has died, named locally as 56-year-old Robert Air, from Seafield in Edinburgh.
Of those cases of the disease being treated in hospital, 15 are in intensive care and 27 are in general wards. A total of 16 cases are being treated in the community, 16 have been discharged from hospital. So far one man has died, named locally as 56-year-old Robert Air, from Seafield in Edinburgh.
The Health and Safety Executive and Edinburgh City Council are continuing their investigations into the possible source of the outbreak.
Friday, 20 April 2012
How to Save Water Using a Water Softener
Kennet Water just posted a very interesting article -
"Hosepipe bans, officially called temporary use bans, came into effect in seven water companies on the 5th April. Saving water has therefore become a very newsworthy item and an equally worthy goal for everyone to aim for.It seems its getting more and more important, environmentally, to save our water, and since water softeners lessen overall use anyway, I would definitely recommend using this Water Saving Coral Softener (low-regen), to reduce use even further.Not only does it have all the great benefits of softened water come with it, but it also has one of the lowest prices on the market today, usually starting at £424!Take a closer look at the model spec, and buy online here
Water softeners can help to save water as they make household tasks like cleaning and washing easier by eliminating lime scale and reducing the amount of detergent needed. This is in addition to the recognised benefits in energy saving in heating systems.
In new dwellings, design water consumption is limited to 125 l/person/day Where a water softener is installed, the calculation of the water for regeneration is ignored if it is 4% or less of the softened water produced. This recognises the low carbon footprint of an efficient water softener"
Thursday, 5 April 2012
What is a 'Duplex' water softener?
It's not always the most straight forward of things, buying a softener. The most frequent question is, "what is a duplex?"
The best way to describe this is to explain a simplex softener first - the 'simplex' describes a single vessel within the softener.
The picture to the right, shows a model with two vessels (the two dark blue canisters) ; this is known as a duplex model.
The simplex softeners were the first ones on the market; These need time to 'regenerate' the resin. Or, in lamens terms, to soak up all the sodium goodness into the small resin beads, before the softening process starts again. This limits the use of your softener, but only on occasion. There are many ways to get around that, one is to use a 'timer' softener (which we will link to another post shortly) and the other is to invest in a 'duplex'.
A duplex softener only uses one canister/vessel at a time, so one of them has a full chance to 'regenerate' before needing to be used - it's a feature that ensures soft water is being made 24/7, and is the choice most people make when deciding to buy a softener.
This is what happens when a softener regenerates...
The best way to describe this is to explain a simplex softener first - the 'simplex' describes a single vessel within the softener.
The picture to the right, shows a model with two vessels (the two dark blue canisters) ; this is known as a duplex model.
The simplex softeners were the first ones on the market; These need time to 'regenerate' the resin. Or, in lamens terms, to soak up all the sodium goodness into the small resin beads, before the softening process starts again. This limits the use of your softener, but only on occasion. There are many ways to get around that, one is to use a 'timer' softener (which we will link to another post shortly) and the other is to invest in a 'duplex'.
A duplex softener only uses one canister/vessel at a time, so one of them has a full chance to 'regenerate' before needing to be used - it's a feature that ensures soft water is being made 24/7, and is the choice most people make when deciding to buy a softener.
This is what happens when a softener regenerates...
Crown Block Salt Water Softener Review
Hopefully we'll address some questions you may have about this softener brand too.
OK, a bit about us - you wouldn't want to take advice from just anyone now, would you? - We're water treatment professionals - so when talking chemistry, we think this softener is one of the greatest for softening your water at home since it softens even the hardest water we've come across.
Being a 'duplex' softener, they run around the clock, and since they run on block salt, you'll never wonder whether its time to top up on salt or not, unlike some traditional softeners - it'll be completely obvious! Since it's quite easy to damage a softener if you forget to top-up with salt, the block salt softeners are definitely the best ones.
Of all of them, these are super easy to fit too - they only require a DIY fitting kit that you could buy for about £30-£70 extra, and (helpfully) fitting a softener couldn't be easier with all the tutorials and manuals you can get a hold of on the internet. (Pssst, by the way, we'll upload a few fitting videos for y'all soon...)
The Crown is manufactured in the UK, and promises quality and affordability - bearing in mind this machine will last several years, usually coming with a long warranty which makes the prices look even more tempting, but there are other excellent benefit to investing in this particular model...
Softeners, in general, save money by reducing the amount of cleaning products you use; for example, when having a bath, and shampooing your hair, you would only need to use a small amount with soft water since it suds-up really quickly - or when doing the washing up, and the bubbles just disappear with hard water... or when your scrubbing scale off your shower with an expensive descaler product... The Crown softens even the hardest water, reducing the use of your household cleaning product use to the maximum amount. What we're getting is that, across the softeners lifetime with you, it will have paid for itself !
There are a million good things about this softener we could talk about! Including an amazing flow rate, and the benefits your skin hair and nails feel when bathing in soft water... The only thing I would ever pick on, is the fact that the size of the unit only makes it applicable to homes that have around 1-2 bathrooms.
But I guess I cant complain about that anymore since they brought out the Crown Ultra - a nice big softener for large homes, that has the same benefits.
If you're thinking about a softener, we would have to give this one 10/10. It's simply brilliant.
Monday, 5 March 2012
News Update: Infection Control: Legionnaires' disease and dental unit water
We came across this brilliant article on : Infection Control: Legionnaires' disease and dental unit water - If you're a dentist, and worried about legionella, we don't blame you...
"On a certain Monday morning in February, some of us were getting the same question from our patients. The question was similar to the questions that dental offices received in 1987 regarding transmission of HIV in the dental setting, as well as questions in 2001 regarding the transmission of HBV in the dental setting. My hope was that you answered these questions without hesitation.
Your current answers should be that your office is doing everything they can to comply with the guidelines, regulations, and laws governing infection control in the dental setting, including infection control procedures that treat the water lines.
In Rome, Italy, it was confirmed that an 83-year-old Italian woman who died from Legionnaire’s disease contracted the infection from the water lines in a dental practice.
The case was quickly diagnosed, and the source of the disease is unquestioned. The woman was admitted into the hospital with breathing problems and a very high temperature. She was admitted to the intensive care unit with continued fever and respiratory distress.
Chest radiography showed several areas of lung consolidation. She had no underlying diseases or conditions. Legionnaires’ disease was promptly diagnosed by a Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen test; a bronchial aspirate was taken for microbiological examination. Oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) was started immediately. Nevertheless, the patient developed fulminant and irreversible septic shock and died two days later. An investigation to find the source of L pneumophila infection was initiated. After testing, she was diagnosed with legionnare’s disease.(1,2)
The part of this story that makes it clear that the disease was a direct result of dental treatment is what led up to this. The patient left her house only two times within the incubation period of two to 12 days. Both of those trips were direct trips to the dentist and back.
The evaluation of the dental setting included an evaluation of the water in the dental lines. Samples of water were taken from the dentist’s tap, from the dental unit water line, and from the high-pressure pump supplying the waterline. The testing that was done revealed that all three samples of water tested positive for Legionella pneumophila bacteria and the sample from the water pump was particularly convincing. Aerosolised water from high-speed turbine instruments was most likely the source of the infection. Warm temperatures and periods of water immobility provide a breeding ground for the bacteria. Distributed in fine droplets by a spray, the bacteria are then breathed in. Elderly people or individuals with poor immune systems are most at risk.
Genetic sequencing confirmed that the bacteria found in the dental water line directly matched the bacteria that killed the patient. The bacteria is a particularly virulent substrain called Benidorm.
Legionnaire’s disease, as we all know, is unusual. Most cases have involved air conditioning units, spas, and water fountains that are not properly cleaned or looked after. No one previously has identified the dental setting as a possible source of this disease, but we all know it could happen. That is why we are all so diligent in applying infection control guidelines, regulations, and laws into our daily practice of dentistry.
The case report has suggested a number of recommendations, including the use of filters and sterile water and adding a continuous loop of disinfected water.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines Legionnaires’ disease as a disease that is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. The bacteria got its name in 1976, when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of this disease, which is a type of pneumonia (lung infection). Although this type of bacteria was around before 1976, more illnesses from Legionnaires’ disease are being detected now. This is because we are now looking for this disease whenever a patient has pneumonia.
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow best in warm water. This is why you will find it in places such as hot tubs, air conditioning units, and water tanks. People acquire Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in a mist or vapour (small droplets of water in the air) that has been contaminated with the bacteria. One example might be from breathing in the steam from a whirlpool spa that has not been properly cleaned and disinfected, or a dental hand-piece that has water flowing through to cool it down that is aerosolized. This disease is not spread from one person to another, but rather from the environment to the person.
The populations at the greatest risk for developing this disease are older people (usually 50 years of age or older), people who are current, former smokers, those who have a chronic lung disease (such emphysema), people who have weak immune systems from diseases, or those who take drugs to suppress (weaken) the immune system.
The problem with diagnosis of this disease is that symptoms are similar to other forms of pneumonia. It may be hard to diagnose at first. Symptoms of the disease can include a high fever, chills, and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches. Chest X-rays are needed to find the pneumonia caused by the bacteria, and other tests can be done on sputum (phlegm), as well as blood or urine to find evidence of the bacteria in the body. Symptoms usually begin two to 14 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease can be very serious and can cause death in 5% to 30% of cases. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics, and healthy people usually recover from infection. "
Read more at DentistryIQ...For more information on Legionella Bacteria and control measures call Spectrum Environmental Solutions on 0870 729 0199
Monday, 27 February 2012
Block Salt For Water Softeners - Let's Take a Look at The Top 10 Reasons
BUY NOW for £5.24 per bag! |
Block Salt.
Is it the best kind?
Yeah, we think so.
There's nothing worse than splitting a bag or granular salt all over your garage floor, or taking forever to pour a heavy bag of pellet (or tablet) salt into a softener tightly tucked under your kitchen sink, shaking your head, asking "Why on earth isn't there an easier way of doing something so simple?"
Block salt, when used in a water softener, can increase the user experience as well as the performance of the softener itself. There are a fair few kinds of water softeners that take block salt now, so there's even more reason to buy! The comparison between using other types of salt (tablet/pellet or granular) makes it an easy choice for us - Here are our Top 10 countdown of reasons why:
10. Storage
These beauties stack up very neatly - their shape makes it super easy to pack them away in small spaces - They'll probably fit under the sink too!
9. Weight
Their weight makes them ideal for every type of person; The whole range of salt made available on the market today are usually around 25Kgs! And let's face it, unless your a fitness freak or a body builder, no ones going to find moving huge salt bags of 25Kg an easy task, especially if you want to stock up. The block salt comes in easy carry bags, that weigh only 8Kgs each (each block is 4Kgs)
8. Cleanliness
As I mentioned before, dropping a load of granular salt all over the floor isn't fun - it's a waste of money for a start, and cleaning it up is murder - definitely something we could do without - Thank god for block salt!
7. Widely Available
There are literally tons of suppliers in the UK that can delivery direct to the door - one phone call, and that's it! Of course, this is true for other types of salt too, but none is so widely available as block.
6. User Experience
There are many customers that find it difficult with softeners that take other types of salt to work out when they need to top up to make sure their softener carrys on running at its best. This is where block salt is handy as its shape means that once there is only a third of a block left two more can be popped in, meaning your softener never reaches empty!
5. Wide Range of Softeners that Take Block Salt
There is a huge range of softeners out there that take block salt so you will definitely be able to find one to suit your needs. The Crown softener is our most recommended softener as an all round great performer!
Check this out for a wide range of block salt eating softeners.
4. Softener Performance
Block salt's anti-caking agents mean that your softener won't get blocked up so there will be no nasty lumps to contend with and will save you calling out a plumber unnecessarily to service your softener.
3. No Mess, No Fuss
As previously said, Block Salt comes in an easy to use form so that no measuring is required and no spillages will occur, when you are filling up your softener, meaning no messing around trying to stop salt from pouring all over your floor!
2. Quality Standard
Block Salt is made in the UK and is food grade salt promising you great quality salt at all times!
1. Cheap, Cheap, Cheap!
Block salt is much cheaper to buy than any other kind of softener salt so stock up now!
Thursday, 16 February 2012
The Next 'Combating Legionella Conference'
H&V News has announced the dates for the second annual Combating Legionella Manchester conference.
In a statement it said: “Building on the success of last year’s event, H&V News is delighted to announce the dates for the second annual Combating Legionella Manchester conference, taking place on the 28-29th March 2012.”
"This event will bring together facilities managers, designers and engineers from across the industry to hear essential updates on guidance and legislation, and share best practise in preventing and dealing with a legionella outbreak.”
Looks like we all need to keep our eyes open for even more changes after March 2012!
The Changes to ACOP (L8) BS 8580:2010
Okay; There have been some changes to the way things work around here, and it seems no ones really noticed...
What We All Know about the ACoP (L8) and the Control of Legionella Bacteria...
Most of us are aware, in layman's terms, that bacteria beasties can accumulate in water that isn't 'looked-after'. We also know, as duty holders, we have to abide by some rules, namely the ACoP (L8). We know we need an annual monitoring plan, and a legionella risk assessment, at least once every 2 years as a matter of routine to keep these beasties at bay.
This is No Longer the Case!
Not many people realise, some changes were made to the overall approved code of practice, late in 2010. Some added literature, which is available at a rather large sum of money, can tell you the nitty-gritty. All I know is, there's one thing that my customers really need to know, and I'll tell you for free.
Legionella Risk Assessments are now considered 'live' documentation. These changes also specify that the document must be updated in anticipation of changes to the system, and then reviewed after too.
I think it's safe to say, not coordinating the risk factor with your system designer (if indeed, they are separate), is a huge mistake, since modifications to pipework systems is a main contributor in creating 'deadlegs' (a piece of unused or capped pipework, where the legionella can grow quickly in stagnant water).
Luckily, this new course of practice makes way for a lower and more controlled risk. This also means that your supplier of water treatment services could be updating your building's risk assessment as frequently as monthly if needed!
This doesn't mean that you'll never need a full risk assessment again, since the amount of added documentation could crowd and confuse the risk assessment document itself.
It does mean, that any authority or duty holder looking for a water treatment contractor, or has a current contractor working for them, should make sure these new features of the ACoP(L8) are followed.
For a water treatment contractor that does, visit www.spectrum-env.co.uk - stay tuned, more updates of the ACoP (L8) coming soon ...
(For more info see our blog post: How often do I need an ACoP (L8) Risk Assessment?)
What We All Know about the ACoP (L8) and the Control of Legionella Bacteria...
This is No Longer the Case!
Not many people realise, some changes were made to the overall approved code of practice, late in 2010. Some added literature, which is available at a rather large sum of money, can tell you the nitty-gritty. All I know is, there's one thing that my customers really need to know, and I'll tell you for free.
Legionella Risk Assessments are now considered 'live' documentation. These changes also specify that the document must be updated in anticipation of changes to the system, and then reviewed after too.
I think it's safe to say, not coordinating the risk factor with your system designer (if indeed, they are separate), is a huge mistake, since modifications to pipework systems is a main contributor in creating 'deadlegs' (a piece of unused or capped pipework, where the legionella can grow quickly in stagnant water).
Luckily, this new course of practice makes way for a lower and more controlled risk. This also means that your supplier of water treatment services could be updating your building's risk assessment as frequently as monthly if needed!
This doesn't mean that you'll never need a full risk assessment again, since the amount of added documentation could crowd and confuse the risk assessment document itself.
It does mean, that any authority or duty holder looking for a water treatment contractor, or has a current contractor working for them, should make sure these new features of the ACoP(L8) are followed.
For a water treatment contractor that does, visit www.spectrum-env.co.uk - stay tuned, more updates of the ACoP (L8) coming soon ...
(For more info see our blog post: How often do I need an ACoP (L8) Risk Assessment?)
Friday, 3 February 2012
Legionaires Outbreaks Spain and Hong Kong
There have been, reported today, two legionella outbreaks resulting in illness and, sadly, death.
The BBC News published an article this morning, reporting the bacteria has been found in a Government Complex in Hong Kong; The threat was found only when a minister was taken ill last month, and hospitalised with the potentially fatal disease.
Hopefully, the minister will recover, but no further report on his condition has been made. Unforgettably, the same cannot be said for British tourists aged 73, 76 and 78 died after contracting disease in Spain. a further 11 people were taken ill in Spain, who were also saying at the resort promoted by Saga Holidays. This was reported with the mailonline:"Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection has been collecting water samples from various sites in the new Central Government Offices after Education Secretary Michael Suen was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease last month.Samples collected from various toilets - including those at the office of Chief Executive Donald Tsang - tested positive for Legionella pneumophila, said a government statement.Other troublespots include water taps inside the kitchens of a canteen and the Dining Hall in the Legislative Council Complex."
"The AR Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe which is at the centre of the outbreak has been temporarily closed.A regional health authority spokesman said: 'The results of our investigation into the cases of Legionnaires' Disease in Calpe show it's an outbreak which has so far affected 14 people, ten British tourists and four Spaniards.'Recently we've learned tests on three British people aged between 73 and 78 suffering pneumonia who died in hospital showed they had contracted Legionnaires' Disease.
'The deaths occurred on January 26 and 31 and February 2.'The pensioners aged 73 and 78 who passed away after getting Legionnaires' died from unrelated conditions. Only the death of the 76-year-old has been attributed to the disease.
Relatives of the three victims are thought to have flown to Spain to be by their bedsides before they died."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2095709/Three-British-pensioners-die-Legionnaires-Disease-outbreak-Spanish-beach-hotel.html#ixzz1lJ9voKhv"
These reports should serve as a reminder to all, especially in hotel establishments, that assessing buildings for legionella is an important step in health and safety.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
NHS Lanarkshire fined £24,000 After Patient Contracted the Potentially Lethal Legionnaires’ Disease
A 64 year old woman was taken 'gravely' ill in the formerly known Hartwoodhill Hospital - this following statement was reported:
The statement went on to say:
Procurement managers - Listen up! Contact a great supplier with brilliant rates - especially if your building(s) have older patients or people, that are more at risk of contracting the disease! These things could be avoided quite easily, there is certainly no reason for anyone's life to come under threat. There is a ton of information available on the web, and good suppliers out there waiting for your call!
Let's get on top of your Health and Safety eh?
For more quick information on how you can obtain a risk assessment at a price that wipes the floor with most of their competitors, contact Spectrum, a leading supplier in the water treatment industry, on 0870 729 0199
Read more of the story quoted, published by Wishaw Press here
"An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified Legionella bacteria in three sources in the water system at the hospital. Two of these sources, including the shower used by the patient daily, matched the strain that caused her illness."Usually we would assume that there was no scheme in place to protect the patients from the bacteria, commonly know to proliferate in stagnant water, or built up scaly pipework - the way the disease is contracted, is through inhaling air particles carrying a spray or mildly evaporated form of the contaminated water... unfortunately, this is exactly how this woman fell ill.
The statement went on to say:
"The HSE investigation established that assessment of the risks from the potential presence of Legionella bacteria to those using the facilities had not been carried out. Neither was there a safe scheme to manage and control the risks of exposure to that form of bacteria in the water system at Hartwoodhill Hospital. The hospital officially closed last year."These are the types of instances that can be easily avoided by implementing a good team of experts to help monitor the risks associated with legionella.
Procurement managers - Listen up! Contact a great supplier with brilliant rates - especially if your building(s) have older patients or people, that are more at risk of contracting the disease! These things could be avoided quite easily, there is certainly no reason for anyone's life to come under threat. There is a ton of information available on the web, and good suppliers out there waiting for your call!
Let's get on top of your Health and Safety eh?
For more quick information on how you can obtain a risk assessment at a price that wipes the floor with most of their competitors, contact Spectrum, a leading supplier in the water treatment industry, on 0870 729 0199
Read more of the story quoted, published by Wishaw Press here
Monday, 23 January 2012
Our Hearts Go Out - Baby's Death caused by Pseudomonas in Belfast Hospital
This is why we deem our work of the utmost importance. Water treatment, and monitoring, is one of the least talked about legislation's on the map, but is, for all to see, so very important to keep on top of.
These poor children, unfortunately, have to pay devastating consequences of a poor monitoring system, obviously being performed by a completely incompetent company, who should take their work much more seriously. Either that, or the authority just couldn't be bothered to sign off a few purchase orders to keep on top of their water hygiene.
Either way, This is an incident that should never have happened; we would like to send our deepest condolences to the families of these young children - our hearts go out to you completely, and honestly.
The Belfast telegraph reported this:
"The latest results show that none of the 24 babies who were patients at the Belfast’s Royal Jubilee Maternity’s neo-natal unit at the time news of the outbreak broke last week have shown signs of an active infection of Pseudomonas. However five babies are being closely monitored because tests showed they have the bacteria on their skin"
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/baby-deaths-regulator-has-never-inspected-neonatal-unit-at-belfast-hospital-16107523.html#ixzz1kIVHPj1k
We sincerely hope that these children get the best care and treatment and we wish them a swift recovery.
Article written on behalf of the staff at Spectrum Environmental Solutions Limited - Please contact us for a monitoring regime that wont fail - UK - 0870 729 0199.
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