Microbiological Control Measures

Our specialists have extensive knowledge and experience of microbiological control in water systems. Lubron Water provides tailor-made advice for each specific situation, mitigating risk and maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This includes using a combination of UV sterilisation, additives, aeration and degassing technology.

In addition to a thermal regime applied to domestic water services, it is often necessary to take further steps to protect building occupants against certain bacteria. Detrimental health implications from exposure can be severe, and in some cases lead to hospitalisation. Some types of bacteria can also be harmful to plant room equipment, causing blockages through biofilm formation, and corrosion caused by bacterial metabolism which produces harmful acidic waste products.

Bacterial control in buildings must therefore be considered carefully, and all associated legislation should be understood and adhered to. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have identified Legionella bacteria as the ‘benchmark’ bacteria against which to protect. If a system is designed to control Legionella, it is also able to control against weaker, less prevalent bacteria.

The HSE publication, HSG274 P2: The control of Legionella Bacteria in Hot and Cold Water Systems, is a document providing guidance on how to adhere to legislation surrounding bacterial control. This is a freely available document, available for download from the government website. Advice that Lubron provides surrounding bacterial control is in line with this, and other publications from bodies such as the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), BSRIA, and CIBSE.

HSG274 guidance includes the use of Ultraviolet disinfection units as a bacterial treatment barrier in water systems.

In some cases, the use of renewable additives is a good option. The use of additives partially contributes to the desired optimisation of the plant in which the lifespan, performance and maintenance of the system play a major role. Water consumption and environmental pollution are also important. To give every situation customised advice, the specialists take into consideration the demands, wishes and any relevant legislation and regulations. In addition, the service engineers at Lubron have extensive experience in effectively treating various systems, monitoring and evaluation their performance in order to make the adaptation process possible.

Lubron features a wide range of sustainable, green additives which help address any problem effectively. These are made from highly effective, time-tested products, including hardness stabilisers, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, biocides, anti-foaming agents and cleaning products, which are the result of thorough research. What is more, our specialists provide customised advice for any specific application.

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Do you wish to know more about the described techniques or the application? Please contact us. Click here for more information about our extensive services.

After being produced through a reverse osmosis system, the pure water may still contain high concentrations of swamp gases, such as methane and hydrogen sulphide. The methane-oxidising bacterium that is found in ponds lives off this gas, resulting in slime-forming biomasses. This can lead to contamination and clogging. This is a particularly big issue in the horticulture sector. By using the Lubron developed Aeration and Degassing technology (BOT), the water can be cleared of unfavourable gasses. At the same time the oxygen-depleted water is aerated for maximum oxygen saturation. The RO treated water is passed through the tower for degassing. Air is supplied from the bottom up, and thus a higher quality water is created. Through this process, 99% of the methane and other swamp gases are reduced, there is a maximum oxygen saturation and moreover, other unwanted gases, such as carbon dioxide and sulphur-free hydrogen gas (which has a rotten egg smell), are minimised.

Lubron delivers in-house advanced BOT systems with a capacity of up to 20,000 litres. Our specialists provide customised advice for any specific application. Installations for larger capacities are always custom made.

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Do you wish to know more about the described techniques or the application? Please contact us. Click here for more information about our extensive services .

Cited contributory factors in outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease include inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication. The risks associated with legionella bacteria are well documented, but understanding the danger, the legislation and guidelines governing its control, and best practice risk management, can be complicated.

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) states in its Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8, Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems (L8):

“Those specifically appointed to implement the [legionella] control measures and strategies should be suitably informed, instructed and trained and their suitability assessed. They must be properly trained to a level that ensures tasks are carried out in a safe, technically competent manner; and receive regular refresher training.”

Paragraph 51. Health & Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice L8″.

Lubron provides City and Guilds Accredited Legionella Awareness Courses aimed at staff requiring a knowledge of legionella bacteria; enabling them to apply what they have learned in the operation and management of water systems in buildings. Contact us for more information.

Lubron are members of the Legionella Control Association. Click to view our certificate.

If you are looking for consistency in your health and safety practices to manage and control the risks of legionella bacteria and other pathogens in your water systems, then Lubron can assist you. Our consultancy services will help you to understand your responsibilities and to put appropriate systems in place to ensure that you are proactive in detecting and treating harmful bacteria in water systems and compliant with all relevant legislation and regulations. If required, we can supply chemical water treatments as well as equipment to prevent the growth of microorganisms and keep the system and the water in it clean.

If you are unsure of your responsibilities don’t wait until it is too late, give us a call and find out how Lubron can help.

Want to learn more?

Do you wish to know more about the described techniques or the application? Please contact us. Click here for more information about our extensive services.

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