Building Your ANSI/AAMI ST108 Water Quality Management Team
by Ben Frieders
When it comes to water quality management in medical device processing, implementing the ANSI/AAMI ST108 standard is critical. The first and foundational step in this process is a water quality management team. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for everything that follows, ensuring that your facility is fully equipped to meet the stringent water quality standards necessary for safe and effective medical device processing.
Why Creating the Right Team Matters For An ANSI/AAMI ST108 Water Quality Management Team
Building a strong, multidisciplinary team is essential for maintaining water quality standards throughout your medical device processing operations. This team will bring together various experts who can address the diverse challenges of water quality management, ensuring that every aspect of the process is covered. Let’s break down the key roles within this team and why they are vital to the success of your water quality management program.
Key Roles in Your ANSI/AAMI ST108 Water Quality Management Team
- Senior Organizational Leadership
- Role: Leadership is the cornerstone of any successful program. Senior Organizational Leadership provides the necessary resources and support to drive the water quality management program forward. They ensure that the program is compliant with regulations and that it receives full support across all levels of the organization.
- Facilities Engineering Staff
- Role: These professionals are responsible for managing the water treatment systems, overseeing installation, maintenance, and operation. They are the backbone of your water management program, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that the systems are functioning at optimal levels.
- Infection Prevention & Control Staff
- Role: Infection control is paramount in healthcare settings. These staff members ensure that water quality measures align with infection control practices, monitor pathogen levels, and review test results. Their expertise helps prevent waterborne pathogens from compromising patient safety.
- Medical Device Processing Personnel
- Role: These frontline workers are tasked with cleaning and sterilizing medical devices, ensuring that water quality standards are upheld in processing areas. They inspect devices for any signs of water quality issues, such as corrosion or discoloration, and report any anomalies.
- Clinical Engineering Staff
- Role: Bringing technical expertise on medical devices and their interaction with water quality, Clinical Engineering Staff assist in managing risks and ensuring compatibility between water quality and medical devices. Their insights are crucial for maintaining the safety and efficacy of devices used in patient care.
- Surgical Suite/Procedure Room Personnel
- Role: These professionals monitor water quality impacts in surgical and procedural settings. They inspect instruments and devices for water quality-related issues, such as corrosion or discoloration, and promptly report any findings.
- Water Treatment Specialists
- Role: These experts design, implement, and validate the water treatment systems that are key to maintaining high water quality standards. They conduct performance and qualification testing to ensure that systems consistently produce water that meets specified quality requirements.
Fostering Collaboration and Communication
Once your team is in place, the next step is fostering effective collaboration and communication. Regular team meetings should be scheduled to review progress, discuss issues, and plan the next steps. Clear communication channels are vital to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.
Additionally, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member is essential. This avoids overlap, ensures accountability, and keeps the operation running smoothly. Each team member should understand their role and how it contributes to the overall success of the water quality management program.
Setting the Stage for Successful Implementation
Creating your water quality management team is more than just filling positions—it’s about building a cohesive unit where each member brings essential expertise and takes responsibility for their part in the program. By carefully selecting the right individuals, establishing clear communication channels, and defining roles and responsibilities, you’re setting the stage for a successful ST108 implementation that will uphold the highest standards of safety and quality in your medical device processing facility.
For more information on the ST108 implementation process and how ChemREADY can support you, contact us today! For more information and assistance with your ST108 compliance, visit our page on ST108 Testing.
About The Author
Ben Frieders is the Business Development and Marketing Manager at ChemREADY, an industrial water treatment company, where he focuses on driving growth through strategic marketing, business development, and acquisitions. A former U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer with a background in nuclear operations, Ben brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership to the water treatment industry. Certified in ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management, he is a recognized expert in water quality standards, regulatory compliance, and Legionella risk management. Passionate about scaling businesses and optimizing systems, Ben combines data-driven strategies with a hands-on approach to help organizations achieve sustainable growth.
