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Solving the water puzzle

Introduction.

Spa bath have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits. It is mainly due to the therapeutic benefits of water and heat that they have stood the test of time. Recent alarms have brought these facilities into the spotlight. It must be under stood that the two principle ingredients in a spa i.e., heat and water are also two key ingredients for the spread of infections via bacteria.

Good housekeeping.

It is essential that physical and chemical cleaning is carried out to a high standard to prevent the growth of bacteria to dangerous levels; this should be complement by constant monitoring and control of disinfectant and water chemistry within the body of spa water. It is a fact that if the water has the recommended disinfectant level, is properly cleaned and diluted then the risk of contamination is very low. This in turn will eliminate the harm full legionella, pseudomonas, and e-coli bacteria to name a few. Consideration should be given to a rest periods during the day these would be after periods of heavy bathing and would allow the purification system to recover.

Training.

Generic and site-based training are essential in producing safe hygienic water.

Training starts with the installer who should provide the first practical meaningful documented training this should be supplemented by a generic course, which provides a basic knowledge of water treatment for the prospective operator. The Institute Of Sport And Recreation Management can provide the latter with both their Spa Operators and Pool Plant Operators courses. Site based procedures can be developed and integrated into Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans. Duty of care must be present, actioned, and documented. It must be emphasised that on going meaningful training is an essential part of the operation process.

Risk Assessments.

Persons who carry risk assessments and draw up the precautionary measures to prevent exposure or control the risk of exposure should have the such ability, experience, instruction, training and resources available to carry out the tasks competently and safely.

They should also know the potential sources of risks, measure precautions to be adopted for the protection of people concerned, introduce measures to ensure the controls remain effective.

In simple terms risk assessment should be carried out, monitored and acted upon.

It is also a duty of the operator to appoint a person to take day-to-day responsibility for controlling any identified risk from Legionella.

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