Heating, cooling, plumbing and infrastructure specialist, Uponor, has taken action to reduce the risk of Legionnaire’s Disease in the UK with the launch of a CIBSE-approved CPD entitled ‘Systems for Water Hygiene.’
Aimed at mechanical design engineers and plumbing installers to highlight the risk of Legionella on the plumbing network and advise on best practice installation layouts and new technology, the CPD focuses on the perils of stagnant water on the network.
Explains Dave Lancaster, applications specialist at Uponor; “Most people associate Legionnaire’s disease with the tragic cases of fatalities that make the headlines and, mercifully, these are quite rare. However, Legionnaire’s Disease is a much more common threat that can make sufferers feel ill with respiratory issues or flu-like symptoms and can also add complications to other illnesses in the most vulnerable – such as the very old, the very young and those with compromised health.
“Our CPD aims to highlight the fact that Legionella will breed rapidly in any plumbing installation where stagnant water can collect at temperatures between c.250C – 450C, creating a significant health risk in any environment from private homes to workplaces, healthcare properties and public buildings. It also suggests pipe network designs, new product innovations and materials that can be used to minimise the risk for a much healthier and more hygienic installation.”
The CPD explains that the risk of Legionella on the pipe network has actually increased in recent years due to new water saving technologies used to reduce flow velocity on the network and how design innovation can improve water safety while supporting more efficient demand. It outlines the varying levels of risks for Tee, Serial and Loop installations, highlighting the benefits of Serial and Loop installations in avoiding dead ends and dead legs on the system where stagnant water can collect if the plumbing is not in regularly use or flushed regularly.
The CPD also highlights the benefits of using PE-X or MLC (multi-layer composite) pipe which ensures a smooth internal pipe surface, resistant to calcification, rather than traditional copper piping where limescale build-up creates an environment that can harbour bio-film growth and a potential Legionella risk.
Dave adds: “Our aim is to help specifiers and installers implement a best practice approach to achieving water hygiene and reducing the risk of legionella in a healthcare environment, contemporary domestic dwellings, commercial properties and public buildings through product innovation, improved design and material selection.”
