TREATMENTS AND FLUIDS
Locked down but not forgotten
At the time of writing we are still in the grip of the Covid-19 crisis, with many businesses currently in a state of limbo and workplaces all over the country lying empty. When it comes to essential water systems, used domestically, and as part of HVAC systems, shutting the door and forgetting about them is not an option. Water system maintenance and treatment must be maintained to avoid legionella outbreaks, corrosion and break down issues. Toby Hunt, from Guardian Water Treatment explains, that just because a building’s ‘locked down’, doesn’t mean it should be forgotten.
W
ater systems need to be used. They must flow and circulate in order to prevent stagnation; the breeding
ground for bacteria including the infamous legionella and corrosion responsible pathogens, such as Pseudomonas. During the COVID 19 pandemic commercial buildings throughout the UK lay abandoned, and I imagine as you read this, occupancy is still not what it was. Whatever the reason behind a dormant building, it’s essential that water treatment is maintained, and in some instances ramped up to account for the change of usage – particularly as the weather gets warmer.
As we move on from one health crisis, the last thing anyone wants are outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease. Britain’s workforce will already feel cautious about returning to ‘normal’ life, it’s essential that they at least have confidence that they’re not going to contract
22 June 2020
highly preventable contagions. Humans aside, when it comes to closed circuit systems, a key part of most air conditioning systems, if bacteria and corrosion has been left to proliferate, expensive repairs and breakdown will follow. The basics of legionella prevention, in accordance with ACoP L8 must be upheld – this is a legal requirement, one that was not relaxed during lockdown. This includes monthly temperature monitoring and six monthly tank inspections. With stagnation more likely in unoccupied
buildings, water treatment regimes should be reviewed and modified accordingly. These adjustments could include: Increased flushing: With reduced water usage it is essential that the little used outlets – hot and cold – go on to a weekly flushing regime. To check that increased flushing has been effective, you may want to consider extra
microbiological sampling.
Cold Water Storage Tanks: HSG 274 guidance states that tanks should be turned over (water within them used up) every 24 hours to prevent stagnation from occurring. Any site with a tank should increase flushing of tank fed outlets - ideally daily and at least weekly to help keep the system water moving. If possible, the tank capacity, or number of tanks in use should also be reduced.
Water Heaters: If hot water is not required the water heater can be turned off without causing water hygiene issues; as long as the water is stored at less than 20˚C (like cold water). It can then be managed in a similar way to a cold water tank, with outlets flushed daily or as frequently as possible. Cooling Towers: Cooling tower system/s that are not required during the closure period can
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