Introduction: In order to prevent burns in kindergartens, the hot water in children's collection points should not exceed 35 ° C, and in the hot water supply network, ideal conditions are created for the colonization of bacteria. In these facilities, it is therefore important to implement preventive measures and regularly monitor the state of colonization of the domestic water supply network. Purpose: We wanted to check if kindergartens have a Legionnaires' Control Plan, if they perform microbiological control of water, possible differences in the effectiveness of different hot water preparation and distribution systems in preventing the growth of Legionella in the network and if it is influenced by embedded materials. Methods: After reviewing the literature in the field of Legionella bacteria and various methods of water preparation, we prepared a partially structured questionnaire. With the help of a questionnaire, we tried to obtain data from the invited kindergartens in Ljubljana on the number of units used, on the materials used in the home water supply network, the system for ensuring the prescribed water temperature, the Legionnaires' Prevention Plan, preventive measures and the results of laboratory testing of water samples for Legionella. Results: Out of 23 invited kindergartens, in 10 kindergartens they confirmed their participation, which together represents 42 facilities. Most of the buildings are older than 40 years and have plumbing systems built of different materials (copper pipes, galvanized iron pipes, etc.). 83% of the facilities have internal hot water treatment. Hot water in 45% of facilities is prepared and distributed and prepared using a low-temperature system. In a small number of facilities, they ensure the appropriate water temperature at the collection point by using concealed mixing valves and hybrid electronic mixing valves. All kindergartens have a prepared program for the prevention of legionellosis and have a defined low risk assessment. In three kindergartens they have been carrying out regular control of the presence of Legionella since 2019, in other kindergartens they are not doing so. All considered objects were in the past microbiologically colonized colonized with the bacterium Legionella spp. Discussion and conclusion: Knowledge of the area of the responsible person plays an essential role in managing microbiological risk. In the past, in the kindergartens where the state of the hot water supply network is monitored, was the system inconsistent and no corrective measures were taken. With the transposition of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 into the Slovenian legal order, the situation in this area will not change significantly. Given the limited size of the participants, it is difficult to single out the water supply systems that are most effective. Research in this area would be needed, taking into account influencing factors. The impact of the embedded material on the level of microbiological colonization of the hot water supply network could not be determined. The objectives of the research were partially achieved.
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