Legionella Prevention Guidelines
PREVENTION
OF LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE
1) Water cooled systems
using water cooled towers or similar type equipment should have both
a physical and chemical cleaning at least once during its operating season.
Preferably, the systems should be cleaned chemically and physically twice
a year. Units that operate 12 months a year should be cleaned twice a
year. It is desirable to do the first cleaning before unit is put into
operation.
2) The cleaning of these
water cooled units should consist of removal of dirt and organic growths
(algae and slime) by physical and chemical means. The use of adequate
detergents and disinfectants should be applied to the cooling tower and
circulated for approximately 24 hours before being drained, flushed and
refilled.
3) Bardon's recommends
the use of our Cooling Tower Cleaner - Formula 100. This product consists
of an alkali detergent, formulated for this purpose, together with a
blend of dispersants and penetrants that break down and remove slime,
algae, dirt, organic matter, nutrients for bacteria, along with scale
and corrosion. Together with the cleaner, a disinfectant or biocide compatible
with the detergent should be used.
4) The biocide or disinfectant
we recommend is an Industrial Grade Sodium Hypochlorite. This product
has been shown in laboratory tests to kill known Legionnaires' Disease
bacterium at levels of 10 PPM or higher active materials.
5) A simple test is provided
to make sure all the detergent is removed. Appropriate tests are also
done by Bardon's field service engineers to determine bacteria count
after cleaning.
6) After cleaning, the
systems should be treated with a biocide to maintain a clean system.
The system should be fed with a BIOGARD product or similar twice a week.
Bacteria tests are taken to insure bacteria counts are down and biocide
is effective.
7) Fan coil units, air
handlers and other places that collect air-borne matter should be treated
with biocide. It is also recommended that these units be chemically cleaned
with detergent.
8) It should be pointed
out that while the above maintenance has not yet been established as
effective for prevention of Legionnaires' Disease, it represents a sanitation
program that minimizes the potential growth of disease bacterium.
9) Bardon engineers are
available to establish proper dosages, test procedures and supervisory
service to insure the success of this program. We are available to assist
you in this project.
Call us at 1-401-884-1814
to have a Bardon's engineer visit your facility
to formulate a Legionnaires' Disease Prevention Program.
