Neptronic SK VAP, Installation & Operation Instruction

27

Neptronic

®

Evaporative Humidification / Cooling System

www.neptronic.com

Routine Water Sampling and Testing

HYGIENE:

Your attention is drawn to the local Health & Safety Executive’s technical guidance on the control of Legionellosis in water

systems.  If inadequately maintained, water systems, of which any humidifier is a part, can support the growth of 

micro-organisms, including the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease. Neptronic

®

has considered all aspects of this

equipment to reduce as far as possible the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other similar conditions, but it is important

that users are aware of their responsibilities in reducing the risk of Legionellosis.

To prevent the growth of Legionella, users are required to:

1.

Carry out a risk assessment of the water system using a competent person, and implement an appropriate 

monitoring and control regime.

2.

Avoid water temperatures which favour the growth of Legionella.

3.

Avoid water stagnation.

4.

Clean and disinfect the system in accordance with the Health & Safety Executives technical guidance and 

instructions in this manual.

5.

The SK VAP system MUST be connected to a clean, potable mains water supply.  It is the responsibility of the

user to ensure that the water system complies with local regulations and bylaws, particularly those for the 

control of Legionella bacteria.  

The use of mains water fed tanks and reservoirs is only permitted as part of a managed water treatment 

system..

On commissioning and at regular intervals thereafter, test for possible water contamination using Dipslides. Take 

samples from the water supply to the SK VAP Matrix and from the SK VAP tank.

The Dipslides should be incubated for 2 days at 86°F (30°C).

1. 

If the microbial count from the tank exceeds 10

3

cfu/ml, the system should be turned off and disinfected using

a 50 ppm chlorine solution for one hour before being put back into use.

2.

If the microbial count in the water supply to the SK VAP evaporative module exceeds 10

3

cfu/ml, this suggests 

contamination of the water system within the building. The system should be turned off and you should seek 

specialist advice on cleaning your water supply.

3.

If the water temperature anywhere in the system regularly exceeds 68°F (20°C) increase the frequency of water 

sampling. The frequency may be reduced if successive tests show a consistent level below 10

3

cfu/ml.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Every 6 months, samples for Legionnella analysis should be taken from the same places as described above, and the

analysis carried out by accredited laboratory. In the event that the Legionnella content exceeds 10

2

cfu/l, the humidifier

should be switched off and specialist advice sought regarding its disinfection.

1.

If biofilm (a slimy or gel-like deposit when wet, which might be dry and crisp in a dry system) is found during any 

inspection of the humidifier or water system, the humidifier MUST be switched off and not put back into operation 

until the system has been thoroughly cleaned with a suitable biocide with biofilm penetrating qualities such as 50mg/l 

chlorine dioxide solution. This work should only be carried out by fully trained specialist organisations or individuals.

2. The system must be left powered on to allow automatic flushing and cleaning cycles to occur

.

If the system is powered off for prolonged periods, water stagnation might occur and contamination result,

so the system, including any storage tanks or vessels should be drained and left dry. Before putting the system back

into service, the water pipework supplying the SK VAP should be purged carefully, avoiding the creation of

aerosols by splashing, and a water sample should be taken to ensure cleanliness. In the event that the humidifier 

pipework contains any residual water or has remained damp, and the temperature exceeded 68°F (20°C) , the 

SK VAP should be chlorinated using 50 ppm chlorine solution for 1 hour.