Automated Legionella Testing
NFC Group provide groundbreaking real time temperature monitoring and automated verification of Legionella Testing in commercial water tanks using Orion smart legionella tags. Orion active RFID smart sensor technology are sim free and real real-time, using our Orion Data Network, a cost effective solution for providing simple and effective monitoring and tracking of Legionella. Read on to find out more about how NFC can help you deliver a cost effective solution.
Legionella pneumophila or Legionnaire’s Disease, as it is more frequently known, is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia and everyone is susceptible to infection. It is a bacterium readily found in natural water sources but usually harmless as the numbers of bacteria commonly found in natural water sources is low. Additionally, the conditions found in these sources are unlikely to lead to infection. However, legionella becomes an issue when optimal conditions arise within water sources providing the perfect environment for the bacteria to breed. The defining aspect of these conditions is the temperature of the water and the window of 20-45 degrees is the key factor for encouraging bacteria growth. A further complication and potential source of Legionella growth are the premises, such as hospitals and healthcare facilities, that supply large volume water sources whereby cold storage tanks might be used.
These cold-water storage tanks have various uses and the design of a tank can also pose a risk to water quality due to poor turnover due to excess capacity and reduced circulation due to connection positioning. So, the storing of water, particularly when water temperatures are ideal for bacteria growth, can also present the possibility of infection and use of and the recirculation of stored water should be avoided. Testing areas where the potential for water storage is essential in regular testing programmes for managers and facility owners.
This responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of employees is carried by businesses with duties of compliance under the Health & Safety at Work (HSW) Act and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) law that applies to the risks of exposure to Legionella bacteria.
So, what’s the procedure involving water management to combat the development of legionella bacteria? The treatment of water and legionella compliance is a costly and complex process for Health & Safety managers and estates teams, creating a high economic impact on precious management time and resources. As such, thousands of organisations across the UK rely on specialist suppliers to help manage their responsibilities and reduce the potential impact of legionella.
How can we help? Obviously, the testing of water systems is of paramount importance to ensure, not only adherence to legislation and guidance but also the health, safety, and welfare of anyone in your care at all times. NFC Groups Orion data network has pioneered revolutionary design concepts for various market sectors and take a keen interest in solving problems for businesses whilst reducing capital expenditure.
Our Orion active RFID smart sensor technology is a real-time, sim free data network providing simple and effective monitoring and tracking solutions. Using Orion smart legionella tags, you can monitor the temperature and flow of your water systems. This improved management of water temperature will provide you with instant alerts in an event situation where the water temperature exceeds or declines into the bacterial growth danger zone. The adage of ‘being forewarned is being pre-armed’ rings true when combatting or avoiding the potentially disastrous event of Legionella growth and infection within your responsibility. Having a system that recognises the precursors of environmental changes in your water supply can reduce costly third-party legionella testing company visits and gives you the opportunity to become proactive rather than reactive.
Please follow this link for official government guidelines on legionella testing
