Grant of extension to scope of UKAS accreditation for additional matrices
ALS Environmental are pleased to inform our customers that, following an extensive validation process, we are now able to offer UKAS ISO 17025:2005 accredited results for Process and Recreational Waters.
The scope of the accreditation covers analysis for Total coliforms, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, Enterococci and TVCs. In addition to this we are also able to offer analysis on Pure water for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, again under the UKAS ISO 17025:2005 accreditation. This accreditation allows for a wider scope of analysis with a greater proportion of analysis being spread across both the Wakefield and Coventry laboratories.
Please click here to view our Water Matrix Classification Summary
Process Water is the name given to water which is not considered drinkable. It can come from a number of different sources, and can be used at any level during industrial/manufacturing processes (e.g. cutting fluid, cooling waters, make-up water and ultra-pure water). Process water has often undergone a more extensive treatment, e.g. softening and demineralisation.
Recreational Water is used for recreational purposes (i.e. for enjoyment, amusement or pleasure) and can be split into two discrete sectors; Man-made or Natural. Man-made recreational waters include swimming pool water, spa pools, hydrotherapy pools and fountains. Natural recreational waters include saline bathing waters, fresh water, bathing water lakes and springs.
Pure Water is used as rinse water in washer-disinfectors within the healthcare environment (e.g. Endoscope water-disinfector EWD). The importance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa analysis within a healthcare setting is detailed in HTM 04-01. The accreditation for detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in pure water supports the drive of ALS Environmental to have a greater presence within the healthcare water testing industry.
ALS understand that UKAS ISO 17025:2005 accreditation is the minimum that customers demand for analysis of healthcare facilities. Our laboratories in Coventry and Wakefield are able to offer a broad range of UKAS accredited microbial analysis to meet HTM Guidance, as explained here.
In addition to HTM guidance ALS Environmental appreciate the influence of the Approved Code of Practice for Legionella (ACoP L8) and the supplemented Health & Safety Guidance (HSG274) parts 1, 2 & 3 on healthcare facilities. Further to Legionella, the other emerging pathogens of concern are the antibiotic resistant ESKAPES pathogens. We are proud to offer this testing at ALS Environmental.
If you would like to know more about the extensive range of analysis we can offer for your samples, please contact us or call your Customer Services Co-ordinator on 02476 421 213.