The Ultimate Legionella Killer
& Multi-Application Disinfectant

What is the product? SafeSol3 is a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide which has been stabilised and catalysed by the addition of a small quantity of colloidal silver nitrate.

How does it work? While neither hydrogen peroxide nor silver are particularly good water system disinfectants when used individually, the combination produces a superb biocide. The mechanism is thought to be as follows:The silver is attracted to the cell wall of the bacterium.  Hydrogen peroxide is not effective against bacteria because these micro organisms can secrete Catalase which reacts with hydrogen peroxide preventing it from reaching the cell wall. Silver reacts with the Catalase allowing the hydrogen peroxide to breach the cell wall and destroy the bacterium. When the bacterium is dead it no longer attracts the silver which moves back into the bulk water pulling the hydrogen peroxide behind it. This makes the solution very stable in water. The product also effervesces on the pipe wall helping to remove biofilm – Essentially the product has the chemical and physical properties required to remove and treat biofilm.

How stable is the product? SafeSol3 will remain in cold water for many days and possibly weeks depending on dosage and if there are no bacteria for it to kill or other organic material for it to react with. It is also stable up to 95⁰C and therefore does not break down in domestic hot water systems (generally operating at around 60 ⁰ C).

What proof is there that SafeSol3 is good at eradicating legionella from domestic water systems?

An efficient legionella bactericide needs to do three things:
1.  It must be a fast legionella bactericide;
2.  It must destroy the protozoa which can act as host for the legionella bacterium;
3.  It must be capable of removing biofilm which can protect the legionella microrganism.
A wide range of Independent tests have confirmed that SafeSol3 does all these things when added to a water system.

I always thought that chlorine was the best disinfectant for water?

Chlorine has been used for many years for disinfecting the potable water supplied by the water authorities to our houses. It is a very fast acting cost efficient disinfectant. The removal of legionella from a domestic water system is a different proposition. Chlorine (bleach):

1. does not remove biofilm;

2. is less effective on protozoa;

3. is not stable at high temperatures, which means that it cannot be used in hot water systems;

Chlorine efficiency is also very dependent on the pH of the water and it needs to be neutralised once the disinfection has been carried out.

But bleach is cheaper?

Yes, it is cheaper to buy a litre of bleach than to buy a litre of SafeSol3. But, if you carry out a disinfection using SafeSol3 you will save valuable time and more money than you would save buying a cheaper product.  Also, independent tests have proved that SafeSol3 is a more efficient disinfectant as it will remove biofilms and destroy all micro-organisms.  It is also far easier and safer to use and is environmentally friendly.

Doesn’t Chlorine Dioxide also remove biofilms?

Yes it does but chlorine dioxide is a much more difficult chemical to use and, like chlorine, it has to be flushed out the system to complete the disinfection, unlike SafeSol3.

So how do you carry out a disinfection with SafeSol3 then?

1. You measure your water storage tank, multiply the volume by 1.3 to allow for pipework and storage calorifiers and consult the calculator chart to see how much SafeSol3 you will need.

2. Add this amount of chemical to the water in the storage tank and pull the water through to all the outlets.

3. When the test strip turns dark blue you have the correct level of chemical at each outlet.

4. The disinfection is complete.

You mean I can leave the chemical in the water.  Is it safe to do this?

SafeSol3 is approved for use in drinking water supplies by the Drinking Water Inspectorate as: 

-  A Cleaning Agent for water apparatus and water distribution systems;

- An Emergency Disinfectant as approved for use in public water supplies.  This means that it can be used in emergencies to disinfect potable water lines so that the pipework can remain in service. The DWI allows up to 125 ppm of hydrogen peroxide to remain in the water for up to 90 days.

The 90 day limit is imposed because the DWI has no information on the toxicity of silver on the unborn foetus – They are not saying that there is a problem with silver. At this time they do not have enough information. Other organisations are less conservative. The World Health Organisation allows 100ppb silver to be dosed continuously into water and this is the standard adopted by the United States.

What would happen if I overdose the chemical then?

No problem. First of all an overdose would have no effect on the system materials. You would have to add over 10 times the recommended dose level of the product before it would have even a slight effect on copper.

If you do overdose – say you add twice the recommended level - you will have more silver in the system than is recommended by the DWI. All you need to do is to run a few outlets until the silver reaches an acceptable level.

What about Underdosing?

Underdosing is a more serious issue as the treatment regime is calculated to destroy legionella and remove any biofilm from the system. The treatment regime includes a 10% to 20% overdose so a slight under dose may not matter. If you have added the chemical and do not get 100ppm hydrogen peroxide on the test strip but get a much lighter blue colour. You should add more chemical to the water storage tank. The amount you add will depend on the test strip result.  If you have only 30 ppm showing on the test strip add a further 70% of the amount calculated from the Ready Reckoner. (Please check your original calculation!)

What happens if I spill the product?

1. On my hands? – If you get the product on your skin the affected area may turn white. This effect will last for a few minutes and then disappear. The chemical will not cause irritation or sensitisation of the skin. Wear Gloves at all times when handling the product. Put them on when you pick up the container and take them off after you have disposed of the container.

2. On my clothes? -   A product spill will not damage your clothes. It will however penetrate the fabric and get on to your skin. It is best to remove the affected clothing and wash it. Rinse the affected skin area as well.

3. On the ground? – You will probably notice some fizzing and bubbling as the chemical reacts with dirt on the ground. This is the physical action which the product exerts on the pipe wall of water systems. The product decomposes in the presence of metal fines so expect a fairly volatile reaction if you poured the product into a completely empty steel tank.

4. On furniture or carpets? - SafeSol3 will not cause any damage to furniture or carpets

Can SafeSol3 be used in any other water systems? SafeSol3 is an ideal disinfectant for almost all water systems:

Ideal for treating water features –it is easy to dose and measure and has no taste, taint or smell.

1. If no fish present - remove all algal growths and general debris from water and add a disinfecting dose of SafeSol3 - to achieve a level of 100ppm using ready reckoner chart. Check the SafeSol3 level using test strips when Hydrrogen Peroxide level falls below 30ppm add more SafeSol3 until level is again 100ppm. Repeat over 2 weeks ensuring the hydrogen peroxide level is maintained between 30ppm and 100ppm. Add 100ppm any time there is evidence of green algae in the pond
    

2. If there is fish; Koi, carp, goldfish or similar sized fish add sufficient SafeSol3 to achieve a kevek of 30ppm. Monitor and maintain this level until algae has disappeared. The fish must not be exposed to a level higher than 30ppm.  Do not apply to tanks or ponds with fish breeds smaller than stated.

What about air and surface disinfection?

SafeSol3 is a proven surface disinfectant approved by the NHS Dudley laboratory. The product destroys even the most difficult bacteria and spores. The real benefit of SafeSol3 in this respect is that it is much safer to use than other disinfectants. A ward or room can be fogged with the product and the room re-occupied within 30 minutes.

Is it harmful to animals?

SafeSol3 is not harmful to animals at use concentration and many people use this concentration to disinfect their pets’ drinking water. Like human beings, pets should not drink the neat product.

SafeSol3 will not be harmful to a pet’s fur or skin

Is it harmful to the environment?

No. The product breaks down to water and oxygen. The product will sterilise earth removing both parasites as well as good bacteria. The product should not be poured directly down the drain but should be diluted prior to being disposed of – There is no problem in disposing of the solutions used for tank disinfection.

Can it be used in a garden pond or fish tank? Yes, see Water features 

Can I use to clean the bathroom?   SafeSol3 is a disinfectant rather than a cleaner. It could be applied to bathroom surfaces after  they have been cleaned to ensure that they are bug free.

Is it safe to use in all water systems, ie. Plastic, aluminium?

SafeSol3 will not affect any material used in any  water system even if dosed at 10 times the recommended level.

Will it react with plumbers putty or similar?  There will be no reaction.

Why do I need to disinfect my cold water storage tank?

Cold water storage tanks receive water from the town mains. This water though chlorinated will contain small levels of bacteria including legionella. If the tank is dirty, unlagged or not properly lidded these bugs could proliferate causing a problem. Up to 15% of the sporadic cases of Legionnaires Disease occur in people’s houses.

What I should do with the empty container?

When you have finished the container should be washed out and put in the plastic recycle receptacle.

Can I use the product to disinfect my children’s paddling pool/swimming pool?

Absolutely, Use the same dosage as you would apply to a domestic water storage tank. The solution will not only ensure that the water is sterile but will disinfect any skin cuts.