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Our experts identified a lack of guidance on how to conduct risk assessments for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and other opportunistic waterborne pathogens other than Legionella. To fill that gap, BS 8580-2 is a new British Standard recommending a PA risk assessment process and supplying information and support on how to understand microbial hazards, prioritize actions and minimize risks.
BS 8580-2 on risk assessments for pseudomonas aeruginosa applies in all types of healthcare provision, including hospitals, and care, nursing and residential homes, together with other settings where water systems and associated equipment can pose a risk. This can include the educational, travel, industrial, leisure and beauty sectors, including health spas, nail bars and tattoo parlours.
Users of BS 8580-2 will be building and design engineers and architects; providers of fittings, outlets and components for water systems; installers and commissioners; risk assessors; regulatory bodies; building services engineers; water treatment consultants; travel, leisure and other relevant buildings owners and operators; and those responsible for the safe management of water systems, especially within leisure centres, schools, swimming pools, passenger vessels, spa pools, hot tubs etc.
BS 8580-2 will also interest clinicians, microbiologists, augmented care specialists and infection controllers in healthcare.
BS 8580-2 gives recommendations and guidance on how to carry out risk assessments for pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and other waterborne pathogens whose natural habitat is within constructed water systems and the aqueous environment (autochthonous), rather than those present as a result of a contamination event. It includes those pathogens that can colonize and grow within water systems and the associated environment.
BS 8580-2 also covers risk assessments of distributed water systems and associated equipment, system components and fittings as well as above-ground drainage systems. It covers PA risk assessment reviews and reassessments where a previous assessment has been undertaken and risk factors identified. It takes account of all relevant environmental and clinical factors and aspects of human behaviour leading to contamination events. It considers risk factors within the associated environment leading to conditions that can encourage the colonization and growth of waterborne pathogens and transfer of antibiotic resistance.
NOTE: BS 8580-2 does not cover risk assessments for Legionella spp.; these are covered in BS 8580-1, or risk assessments for enteric microorganisms derived from human or animal faecal contamination or sewage ingress.
You should use BS 8580-2 on risk assessments for pseudomonas aeruginosa because:
BS 8580-2 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being and Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.