Aviation
Rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
Water safety in aviation is included in the plan of work of the rolling revision of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
Background
Water safety in aircraft/airports is covered briefly in chapter 6 of the Third Edition of the Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, and is of considerable international interest. Drinking-water is addressed in more detail in the Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation (GHSA), which is in revision at present.
The third edition of the GHSA will contain scientific evidence-based guidance on controlling and preventing public health risks related to hygiene and sanitation in aviation.
The revised International Health Regulations (IHR-2005) came into force on 15 June 2007. The update of the GHSA supports the IHR, and is aimed at providing specific guidance on the application of the IHR to aviation.
Expected end-product(s)
Stand-alone document, the Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation, Third Edition, for web-based publication in 2008 or later.
Progress to date
A modular approach to developing the GHSA has been adopted. The Introduction, Water and Cleaning and Disinfection modules have been created. The work on the food chapter is in progress and the modules on waste disposal, cargo safety and vector control will be developed as needed at a later time.
The draft document is now available for review. Comments are welcome following the format of the comment sheet below.
Comments on the draft document above should be sent before 15 October 2008 to the following e-mail address: gdwq@who.int
Related links
A meeting of the Expert Network engaged in the development of the Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation, Third Edition, was held in Toronto, Canada on 24-26 March 2008. The summary and the outcome of that meeting is contained in the meeting report mentioned below.