Regulatory
aspects
To this day there have been no regulations specifically targeting misting systems. It is however possible and even everyone’s duty to apply the rules concerning drinking water systems, the maintenance of installations presenting a risk for legionella, health protection.
The three installation groups that are the object of special attention are:
- Hot and cold sanitary water systems;
- Semi-open cooling systems (aerorefrigerating towers);
- Swimming pools, boiling baths, spa, Jacuzzi.
The particularities of misting system techniques are not included in these groups.
In cooling systems and water basins (swimming of decorative) the water follows a closed circuit, a risk factor that does not exist in misting systems.
Misting systems are closer to sanitary water distribution systems. But when they are not equipped with anti-droplets, the misting lines are open networks, which is not the case with water systems.
Professional risk
The use of misting systems in the workplace (restaurant, industry, youth centers..) is subject to Labor laws in which the articles R.231-60 to 65 impose an evaluation of situations with risk exposure, a definition of preventative means, and the implementation of a security training for all exposed workers.
The detection of legionella
To monitor the contamination of a system, detecting legionella in water must be done according to the NF T 90-431 standard of September 2003 (recommendation from the minister of health) that allows the detection at a threshold of 50 UFC/L. This standard has been amended (amendment A1) in April 2006 and many other French and European standards exist. The list is available on the AFNOR website at the following address:
[http://portailgroupe.afnor.fr/v3/espace_information/normesreglementation/detectionlegionelles.htm]
It is highly recommended for managers using an installation to consult a competent laboratory accredited by COFRAC or all other equivalent European accreditation organism that can proceed to analyze water samples. COFRAC’s site (www.cofrac.fr) is helpful to find the nearest competent laboratory. One must be sure that the laboratory is accredited to detect legionella. For this, consult the technical annex of the technical guide and verify that the analysis of legionella is included in the accreditation for the 100-2 program.
Standards and legislative texts
- Decree n°89-3 of January 3rd 1989 is related to water destined for human consumption, excluding natural mineral water, modified by decree n°90-330 of April 10th 1990, by decree n°91-257 of March 7th 1991 and by decree n°95-363 of April 5th 1995.
- DGS bill n°97/311 of April 24th 1997 relative to the surveillance and prevention of legionnaire’s disease.
- DGS bill n°98/771 of December 31st 1998 relative to the implementation of good water system maintenance habits in health establishments and risk prevention means linked with legionnaire’s disease in installations posing a risk and those in a building destined to receiving the public.
- Labour laws: articles R.231-60 to 65.
- NF T 90-431 standard of September 2003 for the detection of legionella in water.
- Decree n°94/352 of May 4th 1994 relative to worker’s health.
