Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control-Online Journal

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Article in Japanese

Hospital Water Hygiene

Itaru NAKAMURA
Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Medical University Hospital

The risk and importance of water hygiene in healthcare facilities are widely recognized worldwide. However, in Japan, little attention is paid to hospital water hygiene.
Much research covering hospital water hygiene and outbreaks has been conducted. The causative organism in water varies from Legionella spp. to non-tuberculosis mycobacterium or Enterobacteriaceae. Water faucets, water basins, water pipes, water tanks, heater-cooler devices, ventilators, and nebulizers in the facilities are also at risk.
Chlorine disinfectant in the water is commonly used in Japan, and various other disinfectants are used in other countries. Management of adequate temperature control, regular flushing of water faucets, and maintenance of the concentration of chlorine are implementable and reasonable strategies for Japan.
The style of the water basin or water outlet is a key factor for the prevention of water-related infections. However, automatic water faucets, which are commonly used in Japan, might be a major obstacle as the temperature of the dispensed water is too low, and automatic time of water flow is inadequate to kill organisms. We have to develop Japanese guidelines covering water hygiene and safety, considering national and cultural factors.

Key words：water hygiene, chlorine, temperature control, flushing, automatic water facet

e-mail: task300＠tokyo-med.ac.jp

Received: June 25, 2019
Accepted: August 5, 2019

34 (6)：271─276,2019