BS 7592:2022 - TC

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What is BS 7592 - Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems about?

As the number of reported incidences of Legionnaires’ disease continues to rise, BS 7592 gives recommendations and advice on how to sample and test water for the presence of legionella.

Who is BS 7592 - Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems for?

BS 7592 is a key standard for all those involved in water sampling for legionellae, including those taking samples on site and their employers.

BS 7592 on sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems will be used anywhere there is a building water system, and by anyone involved in water sampling for legionellae, including those collecting samples on site and those developing water sampling plans and/or directing where samples are taken from, irrespective of the method of analysis adopted.

Users will typically be water supply managers, building engineers and designers, installers and commissioners, risk assessors, Health & Safety inspectors, Environmental Health Officers, health industry managers, building services engineers, water treatment consultants, public buildings owners and operators, anybody involved in the management of private water supplies, building water systems water safety teams in hospitals and those responsible for the safe management of water systems, especially within the healthcare industry, leisure centres, schools, swimming pools, etc.

What does BS 7592 - Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems cover?

BS 7592 gives recommendations and guidance on the sampling of water and related materials for the investigation of the presence of organisms of the genus Legionella. It applies to sampling constructed water systems, but also gives methods for sampling biofilms and sediments. Some of the same sampling principles can be applied to natural water systems.

BS 7592 on sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems also covers the selection of sampling sites and the methods of sampling for the purposes of routine monitoring, validation and commissioning as well as for outbreak investigations, for which additional recommendations and guidance on the selection of sampling points are given.

Why should you use BS 7592 - Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems?

Use of BS 7592 on sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems can help organizations to:

• Optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of legionella sampling, both for routine monitoring and outbreak investigations
• Validate and verify that the organization is controlling the risks of legionellae effectively
• Maintain compliance with legal obligations in relation to legionella
• Develop users’ efficiency and expertise
• Strengthen organizational risk management

BS 7592 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being and Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.

What’s new about BS 7592 - Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems?

The revised version of BS 7592 replaces the 2002 edition and:

• Makes a clearer distinction between routine and incident sampling
• Provides a clearer rationale for routine sampling, including newly recognized sources, risk assessment, surveying and sample points
• Revises acceptable transport times, to account for more quantitative results and sampling/transport subcontracting
• Takes account of new standards documents for water sampling and analysis