Bebedouros coletivos: análises microbiológicas e plano de higienização baseado no ambiente de instalação

Abstract

Drinking fountains, as they are for collective use, have a great potential for microbiological contamination, mainly due to lack of hygiene and/or contact with users with contaminated hands and mouths. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the physical structure of drinking fountains and the microbiological quality of water in a university. As a secondary objective, a hygiene plan based on training was established for those responsible for cleaning the drinking fountains, in addition to instructive posters on correct hand hygiene and the use of drinking fountains. Seven drinking fountains were evaluated for their state of conservation, location and microbiological quality of the water and its surfaces (taps and vats), in addition to the quality of water from artesian wells and plastic jerry cans, from March to April 2022. Two industrial stainless steel drinking fountains were evaluated, two with a column and three with a gallon of commercial mineral water. The evaluated parameters were: counts and identification of mesophilic microorganisms, total and thermotolerant coliforms. The industrial stainless steel models were located close to laboratories and toilets and were in adequate physical condition, the others in pantries/kitchens, teachers' lounges, reception and inside a veterinary hospital. The microbiological analysis of the water indicated that 71.4% (5) of the drinking fountains had total and thermotolerant coliforms and 100% total mesophiles, therefore outside the standards of Ordinances GM/MS nº 2.914/2011 and 888/2021. The faucets and vats of all equipment also had a higher number of total mesophiles than that proposed by the American Public Health Association (2014), which can be attributed to incorrect cleaning of the drinking fountain, the gallon and the handler's hands and the proximity to toilets. A column and a table water fountain were discarded because they were in poor condition, new industrial models were purchased and positioned in suitable locations. The supplier of gallons of mineral water was replaced and the water tanks in the artesian wells were chlorinated. Two awareness and training lectures were held on the hygiene of drinking fountains for cleaning staff. In the restrooms, instructive posters were posted on hand hygiene. It was concluded that 28% of the drinking fountains are in an inadequate state of conservation and the water and the surface of the faucets and vats of all the university's drinking fountains had microbiological contaminants. A hygiene program was implemented and it is expected that this will contribute to the health and well-being of students, professors, employees and university visitors.