HEALTH AND SANITATION
In our country, we recently did a case study in
Limpopo at a veterinary clinic. This has resulted
in the DOH giving approval for 11 clinics across
South Africa to be installed with copper touch and
antimicrobial copper products.
Where else can copper be used?
Basically, anywhere where humans touch surfaces, such
as in care homes, ambulances, gyms, schools, public
buildings, public transport, and offices.
How quickly do copper alloys kill bacteria?
• Laboratory tests have demonstrated that copper
alloys kill 99.9% of the MRSA bacterium within
two hours! This test simulates a wet contamination
event like a sneeze or a splash.
• Latest research shows that in a test that simulates
a dry contamination event such as a touch, some
bacteria amounting to over 10 million colony-forming
units are eliminated in less than 10 minutes!
Do aluminium, stainless steel, and plastics have
antimicrobial properties?
Reportedly, no. While it has been demonstrated
that copper and its alloys are able to kill microbes
quickly and effectively, there is no evidence that
aluminium, stainless steel, PVC, or polyethylene exhibit
antimicrobial properties.
If copper kills pathogens, does it mean it does not
need cleaning?
• No, copper alloy products will need to be cleaned
the same way as other touch surfaces to remove
dirt and grime that can prevent contact with the
copper surface.
• Copper alloy products are active 24/7 and help
reduce microbial contamination in-between cleans.
How should copper and its alloy components be
cleaned?
• The usual cleaning materials used in hospitals are
fine for use on copper.
• Polishing with metal cleaners need only be
considered if maintenance of a bright finish is
required. So, this product will work effectively at
both the coastal and inland regions.
•
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Copper is mined from ore which
is found naturally in our earth.
Does oxidation affect copper’s
antimicrobial effect?
No. In fact, studies show that as uncoated copper and
brass surfaces oxidise, or darken, they become more
effective at eliminating disease-causing bacteria. These
should cover most of the questions that could be asked
about antimicrobial, its attributes, and so on. I trust
this will bring other thought-provoking minds to further
explore the viability of using this natural resource more
and more. PA
Legal framework and institutional
arrangements for
rainwater harvesting
Domestic rainwater harvesting (RWH) is increasingly adopted in South Africa.
Interest in the practice is growing and further driven by increases in water
tariffs and increased climate variability across the country.
By Water Research Commission
Laws and regulations, as well as institutional
arrangements, are still lagging behind. The country’s
government has three distinctive, interrelated, and
interdependent spheres (national, provincial and
local or municipal levels) that operate according to
the constitution (Act 108 of 1996), laws, and policies
made by the national parliament.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The functions of government are not only exercised at
the national level, but are also decentralised to levels
closer to the people. The Water Services Act (Act 108 of
1997) provides a framework for the provision of water
supply and sanitation services to households in South
Africa. The Water Services Act transfers the responsibility
Continued on page 32 >>
January 2018 Volume 23 I Number 11