Sample showerhead disinfection procedure

 

Sample showerhead disinfection procedure

Showers deliver water at approximately 45°C which is an ideal temperature for pathogens to proliferate.  Showerheads act as filters trapping debris and scale which can be used by bacteria both as a nutrient and a safe habitat.  When water stagnates bacteria are allowed to multiply.  Cleaning and disinfecting showerheads on a regular basis removes both the nutrients and habitat required by bacteria, thus minimising the risk of any legionella bacteria which may be present in the water from multiplying.

 

Following the guidance in HSE (L8) Approved Code of Practice and Guidance ( Legionnaires' disease - The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems), quarterly cleaning of showerheads should take place as part of any effective management system.  Cleaning and disinfection is a fundamental component of controlling Legionella bacteria and should be a central part of a suitable and sufficient management system.  In order to effectively cleanse and disinfect showerheads and hoses, a three stage procedure should be adopted, as detailed below. 

 

*NB*    Employers are required to carry out a suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Assessment for this work activity, prior to exposing anyone to the associated risks.

 

METHOD

 

Stage 1 - Clean/De-scale           Stage 2 - Disinfect           Stage 3 - Flush

 

Stage 1 (Clean/De-scale)

1. Remove and disassemble the shower heads and hoses from one another.
2. De-scale the shower heads and hoses using a proprietary de-scaling agent for 1 hour (or to manufacturer's instruction).
3. Dispose of the waste water safely and in accordance with environmental protection guidance.
4. Flush the showerheads and hoses through with clean water.

Stage 2 (Disinfect)

1. Immerse the shower heads and hoses in an approved biocide solution (50mg/l hypochlorite solution, (e.g. "Titan Sanitiser" (Johnson Diversey), "Shower Head Plus" (Water Treatment Products), or other approved disinfectant that has an equivalent proven biocidal effect), at the appropriate concentration and for the appropriate amount of time - following the manufacturers instructions. 
2. Dispose of the waste water safely and in accordance with environmental protection guidance.

Stage 3 (Flush)

1. Flush and wash the shower heads and hoses through with clean water and replace.
2. Dispose of the waste water safely and in accordance with environmental protection guidance.
3. Replace soft rubber or plastic washers or gaskets with neoprene or other approved rubber substitutes.

 

WARNING

Under no circumstances should any acidic cleaning fluids or other acid products be added to any hypochlorite solution.  Such action will release toxic chlorine gas from the solution, with the potential to cause a risk of explosion, respiratory failure and potential death.  A COSHH assessment must be carried out before any hazardous substances are used and a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) devised.