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eion99  
#1 Posted : 23 July 2015 12:22:52(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
eion99

Can anyone tell me if salt spray cabinets pose a legionella risk? The cabinets use fresh filtered water from the mains supply, runs through a humidifier at 65C and then is sprayed into the cabinet at 35C, 5% salt. Thanks, Ian
Xavier123  
#2 Posted : 23 July 2015 13:07:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Xavier123

A piece of kit can't be defined as having no, medium or even high legionella risk. Its about the possibility of contamination, amplification etc. which might bear no relevance to the plant. Its a bit like asking, I've got a cooling tower...what's the risk? The answer is - it depends. Having said that; if you're using fresh mains supplied water (i.e. not reusing the same water post spray) and are confident in the pipework leading to the cabinet having no deadlegs and getting regular use then I would suggest that the chances of getting legionella proliferating are almost as minimal as they can be. The raising of temp to 65 is good but still would need to be held there a few minutes to ensure a kill. 5% salt unlikely to have massive short term effect on Lp either - can still be viable at 30% salinity. But the biggie is fresh, clean water...that's your best control measure.
JohnW  
#3 Posted : 23 July 2015 16:31:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

I'd expect the risk to be very low if it's mains water heated to 65C and sprayed at 35C. HSE guidance says: 'The bacteria multiply where temperatures are between 20-45°C and nutrients are available. The bacteria are dormant below 20°C and do not survive above 60°C'.
JohnW  
#4 Posted : 23 July 2015 16:35:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

and there should be a maintenance programme for cleaning the cabinet, to prevent any 'nutrients' growing.
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