Thought-leaders from across the healthcare and water safety sectors recently joined Armitage Shanks to discuss the impact of a new British Standard, BS 8580-2, and its implications for those involved in preventing the spread of waterborne infection.
BS580-2 deals with risk assessments for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other waterborne pathogens, and is seen as an important tool in the fight against bacteria with the potential to cause serious health problems in hospitals, care homes, and other environments.
Hosted at the manufacturer’s London Design & Specification Centre, the Water Safety Forum brought together experts from clinical infection control, microbiology, engineering, and hospital water services management, examining what the standard will mean for multidisciplinary teams in healthcare environments, and the need for greater awareness and training on infection control across all healthcare staff. Also discussed was the importance of properly designed and maintained handwash stations, and manufacturers’ role in engaging with the water safety community to create innovatively designed products guided by scientific evidence.
Elise Maynard, an independent water safety adviser, and member of the BS 8580-2 panel, who served as chair, said: “With the steady rise in antibiotic resistance, it’s vital we do all we can to prevent the spread of harmful waterborne pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and this is particularly important in healthcare settings, where patients – who are often immunocompromised, face serious risk. This new standard provides clear guidance on effective risk assessment of waterborne pathogens to Water Safety Groups, and, equally importantly, to anyone who may utilise water. It emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary teams and clear communication on infection control.”
