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Testing for Coliform Bacteria Using SCT Combination Dipslide with Coliform on one side of the slide and General Aerobic on the reverse.

Coliform are bile tolerant bacteria, which pass through the body of animals or man and emerge in the faeces. Whilst they are not necessarily pathogenic there are pathogenic bacteria usually associated with them. These are usually shigella and salmonella. It is easier to detect the Coliform bacteria, which are present in greater numbers. If a significant number - say 10/5 colonies/ml - are regularly found, medical advice should be sought. The majority of bacteria found in oils are non-pathogenic, but there are occasions when "opportunist' pathogenic bacteria may be present.

There are at least three ways in which these can enter the body: -

• Ingestion of spray. Spray removal equipment should be used.
• Entry through cuts in the skin. These should be protected.
• Entry through defatted skin pores. Paraffin or similar solvents should not be used to wash hands. Barrier creams and proper non-abrasive soaps should be provided.

The possibilities for unrestricted growth of bacteria should be minimised and this can be summed up:

• Good housekeeping to keep oils clean i.e. pipes, storage and stop water leakages into oil systems
• Clean the tanks, pipes, with a steriliser/cleaner before introduction of fresh oil
• Use an oil containing a biocide effective against bacteria, yeasts and fungus or treat symptomatically using Tektrak Aquabac 80.
• Identify by testing first stages of bacterial contamination so that the problem may be treated.

Bacterial Contamination in Water Systems

The Coliform slide may be used to check all water systems including cooling water, ballast and boilers. The count is not high enough to give a low enough count for drinking water systems but will identify a potential risk of system fouling or risk of Legionella disease i.e. see dipslide user guide. A full RBS/SCT/SRB check is recommended.

Additional Tektrak Services/Products

Tektrak can offer full advice on treatment of all forms of Bacterial contamination.

• Biocides
• Incubators
• Advice and full service programme as a registered service provider (registered as Glacier Chemicals) in the prevention and control of legionnaires disease in compliance with L8.