ASSOCIATIONS
IOPSA provides quick and easy access to skilled and experienced plumbers who are registered with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board .
Plumbing plays a key role in the delivery of safe drinking water . maintained correctly by a competent plumber . Experienced plumbers will , therefore , also ensure that plumbing systems are always cleaned and disinfected after they have been installed , maintained , and repaired so as not to contaminate drinking water .
Legionella also grows in water that has been allowed to stand for extended periods due to incorrectly configured and maintained plumbing systems . “ While this is a real risk in large plumbing systems typically found in commercial and hospitality developments , as well as hospitals , Legionella can also appear in residential plumbing systems . It can grow to significant numbers in warm water , hot water heaters , hot tubs , hot water lines and fixtures , such as shower heads . Legionnaires ’ disease has the same symptoms as pneumonia . They include cough , shortness of breath , fever , muscle aches and headaches ,” he says .
Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms also grow in piped plumbing and distribution systems and on fittings in the same way . While these microorganisms seldom cause serious illness in healthy individuals , they pose a serious health risk to vulnerable people , especially hospital patients . For example , they can colonise burn and surgical wounds , compromised respiratory tracts and eyes that have been physically damaged . Moreover , they cause skin infections in hot tubs and spas . Cleaning contact lenses with a solution that has been contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause a type of keratitis .
“ IOPSA continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders in the public and private sectors to raise standards in the plumbing industry . IOPSA-registered plumbers are trained to design , install , and maintain plumbing systems that provide a safe water supply and adequate drainage system . This is in addition to sufficient and appropriate fixtures , as well as equipment that do not contaminate water ,” Reynolds concludes .
6 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2021 SAAffordHousing saaffordablehousingmag SA Affordable Housing www . saaffordablehousing . co . za