CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskWhen POU filters are required, which standard applies, and how long they last.
Point-of-use (POU) filters remove Legionella and other waterborne pathogens at the outlet -- typically on taps and showers. They are particularly indicated in areas where immunocompromised residents are located, in new or refurbished water systems while system temperatures are stabilising, and following a Legionella detection while remediation is in progress.
Filters for protection against Legionella should meet the NSF/ANSI 53 or equivalent standard with a pore size of 0.2 microns. POU filters for care homes should be medical-grade, not domestic. The filter must be compatible with the outlet fittings and must not restrict flow significantly.
POU filters have a limited service life -- typically 30 days for high-flow outlets and up to three months for low-flow outlets. Exceeding the service life can result in the filter becoming a source of contamination rather than a barrier. Track installation dates on a log sheet and set calendar reminders for replacement.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.