WASHROOM (INCLUDING LEGIONELLA CONTROL)
KEEP RECORDS Regular checks of water temperatures including outlets closest and furthest away to each tank or cylinder, as well as the cylinders and tanks themselves, should be carried out and recorded for auditing purposes. Water samples should be tested periodically for Legionella and other pathogens. Infrequently used outlets should be flushed weekly and shower heads and hoses should be cleaned and de- scaled at least quarterly. It is crucial that these checks are recorded and any remedial action carried out without delay.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has its own advice and guidance on the threat of Legionella and the consequential Legionnaires’ disease: The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8, which covers engineered water systems, and HSG274 which covers evaporative cooling systems, hot and cold water systems and other risks systems, in three separate parts.
SPECIFIC WASHROOM
PRECAUTIONS Hot water must be stored at a higher temperature than that at which it is dispensed to kill the Legionella bacteria, so it is crucial that Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) are installed. TMVs ensure water temperature is controlled for showers, baths etc. by mixing hot and cold water. The health and safety implications of a faulty TMV are severe, so regular servicing is very important to prevent potential scalding incidents if the valve is not operating correctly.
SHOULD WE OUTSOURCE? In short, there is a lot of information out there, which is good; but it also means there are lots of compliance issues, and a justified need for an ‘expert’. This is why so many care providers are choosing to outsource their water treatment management to qualified companies. As is so often the case, when you consider the initial and ongoing costs of employing, training and managing someone ‘in-house’, it’s rarely cost- effective. The exception to this may be for large organisations to consider
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IS THAT EVERYTHING? The range of water treatment solutions to ensure water in both hot and cold water systems is fit for purpose and compliant with all regulatory controls includes softening, filtration, demineralisation using reverse osmosis, UV-disinfection and chlorine dioxide. It is important to consider the long-term benefits of the different solutions, particularly if costly plant and equipment is needed, because the quick-fix, less expensive methods often cost more in the long run with ongoing costs and effects on equipment.
There is a lot to think about, and manage, so it is prudent to explore the options and consider a business case for in-house or outsourcing expertise. Seeking the advice of a qualified and reputable water treatment company is always money well spent, and should provide you with a list of must-haves, would-likes and maybe- one-day solutions that will mitigate risk, reduce operational expenditure and provide fully compliant water for every area of the premises.
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sharing the costs and resources of a water management specialist, who can carry out day-to-day quality checks, auditing and associated duties, and maintain the necessary compliance records. From a staff management perspective, this role could be integrated with Health and Safety, but should never be added to the job role of anyone who is not adequately qualified and trained.
“Seeking the advice of a qualified and reputable water
treatment company is always money well spent.”
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