This British Standard gives recommendations and guidance on how to carry out risk assessments for P. aeruginosa (PA) and other waterbornepathogens whose natural habitat is within constructed water systems and the aqueous environment (autochthonous) rather than those being present as a result of a contamination event. It includes those pathogens that can colonize and grow within water systems and the associated environment. It does not cover risk assessments for Legionella spp.; these are covered in BS 8580‑1, or risk assessments for enteric microorganisms derived from human or animal faecal contamination or sewage ingress.

This British Standard is especially applicable to all types of healthcare provision, including hospitals, care, nursing and residential homes, together with other settings such as educational, travel, leisure, commercial, industrial, where there are additional systems or equipment which could pose a risk from waterbornepathogens.

It is also applicable to spa baths, hot tubs, pools, and other equipment, including the use of large inflatable equipment in swimming pools. Premises where this standard can be used include the educational, travel, industrial, leisure and beauty sector, including health spas, nail bars and tattoo parlours, and other premises where water systems and associated equipment can pose a risk of infection from waterbornepathogens other than Legionella and those associated with gastrointestinal infections.

This British Standard covers risk assessment of distributed water systems and associated equipment, system components and fittings as well as above ground drainage systems. It takes account of all relevant environmental and clinical factors, aspects of human behaviour leading to contamination events, e.g. poor cleaning and storage techniques and all possible modes of transmission. It also takes into account risk factors within the associated environment, such as the potential for transmission from personnel, splashing and the contamination of outlets, sink traps and drains leading to conditions which can encourage the colonization and growth of waterbornepathogens and transfer of antibiotic resistance.

This British Standard also covers PArisk assessment reviews and reassessments where a previous assessment has been undertaken and risk factors identified.

For all sites, it is also of relevance to design engineers and architects, providers of fittings, outlets and components for water systems, manufacturers/wholesalers/contractors, installers and commissioners, risk assessors, regulatory bodies, building services engineers, water treatment consultants, travel, leisure and other relevant buildings owners and operators and those responsible for the safe management of water systems, especially within the leisure centres, schools, swimming pool operators, passenger vessel operators, etc.