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Follow on Google News | Legionella & Dental Practices: Health and safety are two important factorsHealth and safety are two important factors in dental practice. To make dental unit water lines free of all health risks and bacterial infection proper risk assessment must be done by professionals.
By: Nemco Utilities In light of this, a risk assessment should be undertaken for the entire practice water system, this is usually completed by an external from an LCA (Legionella Control Association) 1.Make up supply should ideally be distilled or RO water. If self-contained bottled water is used, this should be separated from the mains by a Type-A air gap. 2.Lines should be flushed for 20-30 seconds between patients, 2 minutes at the beginning and end of each day and following any significant period of infrequent use. 3.If not in use, the system should be totally drained and re-commissioned prior to use 4.Periodic disinfection using sodium hypochlorite, or similar chemical, should be undertaken (frequency is usually as determined by risk assessment and will take into account quality and source of water). It is important to ensure that the system is thoroughly flushed post disinfection prior to clinical use. 5.In general it is recommended that the production of a fine mist or aerosol is minimized as much as possible It has been suggested that Legionella bacteria in DUWLs may contribute to respiratory illness amongst dental teams and patients, though much of this date is derived from a hospital setting. It is likely that the majority of incidences are linked to larger, more complex water systems where other conditions, such as lack of thermal control or cross contamination are a problem. In all cases, a risk assessment is the first port of call to establish risk levels and ongoing management requirements. For more information visit www.nemco-utilities.co.uk or call the office on 01284 724503. More information is available in the following publications; HTM 01-05 – ‘Decontamination in primary care dental practices’ HTM 04-01 – ‘The Control of Legionella, hygiene, “safe” hot water, cold water and drinking water’ Contact Details: Nemco Utilities Ltd 12 Kempson Way Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP32 7EA Telephone: 01284 724503 Fax No.: 01284 724826 Email: info@nemco-utilities.co.uk Website- http://www.nemco- # # # Nemco are independent building risk management consultants specialising in assisting organisations in the prevention and control of the risks associated with fire, air quality and waterborne pathogens including those responsible for causing Legionnaires’ End
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