Testing, testing 123

It is universally agreed, and in fact reconfirmed in HTM 01-05, that the water entering patients’ mouths in a dental surgery via DUWL should be of an acceptable quality. According to HTM 01-05, ‘acceptable’ is defined as falling below 200cfu/ml, the equivalent of the European water quality standard.

As part of infection control procedures, a risk assessment of water provision is required, which should be written by a ‘competent person’ and used to identify potential issues such as excess storage capacity, temperature distribution problems, low water usage, or inappropriate materials. This risk assessment then forms the basis for creating an action plan, which addresses any of the issues that pose a potential risk to either staff or patient safety. It is essential that all staff, not just the infection control lead, have an appreciation of those procedures that might affect water hygiene and safety, and that each member of the team can interpret the appropriate guidance and perform required tasks in a competent manner.