8
Issue 2 14/07/16
1
General and Safety Information
Water systems in buildings have been associated with outbreaks
of Legionnaires’ Disease, particularly in health care facilities
where occupants are significantly more susceptible to infection.
In recognition of the risks in hospitals, a Code of Practice for the
Control of Legionella in Health Care premises has been issued
by the Department of Health (1991). Codes of Practice
applicable to other premises have been published by other
organisations, principally the Health and Safety Executive
(HS)(G70) and the Chartered Institute of Building Services
Engineers (CIBSE, TM13). All Codes of Practice draw attention
to the design and operation of water systems with reference to
avoidance of factors that favour colonisation by Legionella
bacteria. These factors include stagnation, lukewarm conditions
(20°C to 45°C) and the accumulation of debris, scale and
corrosion in the base of tanks and calorifiers.
Andrews Water Heaters have commissioned an independent
evaluation of their products to investigate their resistance to
build-up of Legionella bacteria.
Experiments were conducted to determine whether, following a
substantial challenge by legionella pneumophilia. After overnight
and stagnation, the system was rendered free from viable
recoverable legionella. It was found that at 61°C, following a
challenge of approximately 107 organisms per litre, within one
hour, more than 99.999% of organisms had been killed. After a
subsequent stagnation period, sampling did not reveal any
residual contamination. The design of the base of the water
heater precludes legionella colonisation, even after build-up of
debris. The burner positioning ensures that the water at the
bottom of the heater reaches the same, or higher, temperatures
as in the rest of the heater.
Based on data obtained through experiment, the Andrews Water
Heater can be described as legionella resistant as it is
considered unlikely that, at the temperature tested, the organism
would colonise the water heater and present a possible health
risk.
1.4 Effectiveness in combating Legionella
It is the duty of manufacturers and suppliers of products for use
at work to ensure, so far as is practicable, that such products
are safe and without risk to health when properly used, and to
make available to users adequate information about their safe
and proper operation.
Andrews Water Heaters should only be used in the manner and
purpose for which they are intended and in accordance with the
instructions in this manual. Although the heaters have been
manufactured with paramount consideration to safety, certain
basic safety precautions highlighted in this manual must be
observed by the user.
It is imperative that all users of the heaters must be provided
with all the information and instruction necessary to ensure
correct and safe operation.
1.3 Health and safety regulations 1993
