Overview of PAA Monitoring
Peracetic acid (PAA) monitoring helps healthcare facilities assess workplace exposure to disinfectant vapours during endoscope reprocessing. Monitoring the concentration of PAA in the environment provides important information about staff exposure levels and helps ensure that workplace conditions remain within recommended safety limits.
Monitoring also supports compliance with COSHH regulations and contributes to the evidence required for JAG (Joint Advisory Group) accreditation within endoscopy services.
JAG & COSHH Compliance
Accurate Exposure Monitoring
Flexible Monitoring Options
Clear Reports & Data Visualisation
What is peracetic acid (PAA)?
Peracetic acid is a powerful disinfectant commonly used in healthcare settings, particularly in endoscope reprocessing. It is effective at eliminating a wide range of microorganism, making it suitable for use in washer disinfectors.
During use, PAA can release vapours into the surrounding environment. Monitoring these vapour levels helps ensure that staff exposure remains within safe limits and that working conditions are effectively controlled.
Monitoring options
Two types of monitoring services are available depending on the requirements of the department.
One-off monitoring visit
A portable monitoring device is used during a site visit to measure peracetic acid levels in the workplace atmosphere. The device records reading during a washer disinfector cycles to assess real operating conditions.
During monitoring:
- PAA concentrations (ppm) are recorded
- STEL (short term exposure limits)
- TWA (time weighted average) exposure is calculated
Results are presented clearly using graphs shpwing PPM levels and TWA over the monitoring period.
This report provides clear documentation that can be used as evidence for COSHH assessments and JAG accreditation requirements.
Continuous room monitoring
For departments that require ongoing monitoring, a fixed monitoring system can be installed within the room.
The system:
- Continuously records PAA levels in real time
- Provides instant alerts if levels exceed set limits
- Can be customised to suit the department
- Allows data to be reviewed over time
This provides continuous assurance that exposure levels remain within safe limits.
T-room Monitoring System
The T-room monitor is a fixed monitoring, logging and alerting solution designed specifically for healthcare environments. Designed by HTM-qualified engineers, the system provides continuous monitoring of peracetic acid levels during decontamination processes.
Key features include:
- Continuous real-time monitoring of PAA levels
- Audio and visual alerts when limits are exceeded
- Monitoring of STEL (15 minutes) and LTEL (8 hours)
- Data logging with downloadable graphs and reports
- Up to 4 monitoring locations
- Touchscreen interface for easy operation
- Optional external alert beacons
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Installation, site survey and annual calibration available
Designed for real working environments
Monitoring is carried out during normal washer disinfector operation, capturing real-time conditions throughout the decontamination cycle.
This ensures results accurately reflect actual working environments rather than controlled or simulated conditions.
Exposure monitoring and compliance
PAA monitoring measures exposure using recognised limits, including STEL (15 minutes), LTEL (8 hours), and TWA, helping assess workplace safety durng normal operation. Results are presented clearly using graphs, making exposure levels easy to review.
Monitoring also supports COSHH requirements and contributes towards JAG accreditation, providing the data needed for risk assessments, audits and safe working practices.
Key benefits
- Supports COSHH compliance and JAG accreditation
- Measures real-time exposure during normal operation
- Identifies issues with ventilation, equipment and working practices
- Provides immediate alerts when limits are exceeded
- Flexible options including one-off or continuous monitoring
- Delivered by trained and competent personnel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ventilation systems help reduce exposure, but monitoring is still required to confirm that levels remain within safe limits during normal operation. COSHH guidance als equires exposure levels to be assessed levels to be assessed in some way, and monitoring helps demonstrate that appropriate control measures are effective.
PAA monitoring is typically required where peracetic acid is used as a disinfectant, particularly in endoscope reprocessing. It is especially important in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, where vapour levels may build up during normal operation.
Monitoring is also relevant in other environments where PAA is used, including food and beverage processing and water treatment, where controlling exposure and maintaining safe working conditions is essential.
In healthcare settings, monitoring supports COSHH risk assessments and contributes towards JAG accreditation requirements, helping ensure that exposure levels remain within safe limits.
Yes. Monitoring is performed during routine use to reflect real working conditions and provide accurate results.
A one-off assessment provides a snapshot of PAA exposure levels during normal operation and is useful for initial risk assessment, audits or investigating a specific concern.
Continuous monitoring provides ongoing data and real-time alerts, making it more suitable for high-use environments or where ongoing assurance is required.
For example:
- A one-off assessment may be appropriate when introducing PAA into a department, after changes to ventilation systems, or to support a COSHH risk assessment.
- Continuous monitoring may be more suitable in busy endoscopy units with frequent washer disinfector use, or where compliance with ongoing monitoring requirements is needed
The most appropriate option will depend on your risk level, frequency of PAA use and compliance requirements.
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