WATER SYSTEM SAFETY ‘‘
Temperature control devices such as thermostatic mixing valves need to have undergone the necessary validation or certification to ensure accurate and reliable performance, the author says.
used in the UK, such as chemicals or filtration systems, would typically need to comply with relevant regulations and standards. Manufacturers of such products are responsible for ensuring that their products meet the required safety and quality standards.
Compliance with regulations The DWI ensures that water suppliers comply with water quality regulations and standards, and approves and regulates the use of various water treatment products and chemicals used in the treatment process. Regulation 31 of The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (as amended) refers to all chemicals and construction products used by water undertakers, from the source of the water, up to the point of delivery to the consumer’s building. Once water has entered the building, it is the responsibility of the end-user to ensure fitness for purpose. Products used after the point of
delivery are covered by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (WS(WF) regulations) – this covers all products used after the point of delivery. The WS(WF) regulations do not look at the efficacy of treatment products, this does not fall under the remit of the Regulations. If a company is exaggerating claims, you can take this up with the Regulation 4 scheme that has approved the product, or with Trading Standards or the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) may also be able to advise with regard to suitable treatment for healthcare situations, and especially on use of particular treatment chemicals.
Regulating advertising claims Additionally, the Advertising Standards
The WRAS Approval certificate is sometimes requested as evidence of compliance. As approvals can be modified, a check of the WRAS Approvals directory is the only reliable way to verify the validity of an approval
Authority (ASA) plays a role in regulating advertising claims made by water treatment companies and others. The ASA is an independent organisation that monitors and enforces advertising standards across different industries, including water treatment. If a water treatment company’s claims are found to be misleading or false, the ASA can take action to have the advertisements removed or amended.
Product approval Consumers can also seek third-party certifications and validations for water treatment products from reputable organisations. For example, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) provides product approval for water fittings and materials in the UK. WRAS approval allows the installation of products that carry or receive water from the public mains water supply in the UK to fully comply with the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations and Scottish Byelaws. These regulations require that a water fitting should not cause waste, misuse, undue consumption, or contamination of the water supply, and must be ‘of an appropriate quality and standard’. However, WRAS approval does not evaluate the efficacy of a product. The WRAS Approval certificate is sometimes requested as evidence of compliance. As approvals can be modified, a check of the WRAS Approvals directory
Steve Mount
Steve Mount provides consultancy advice, risk assessments, auditing, and training, to a wide variety of clients, including NHS primary care Trusts, other healthcare organisations, and facilities management companies. He is a Fellow of IHEEM, an IHEEM-registered Authorising Engineer (Water), a member of the IHEEM Water Technical Platform, and a Clinical and Professional Advisor for the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Working for several NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations has given him experience and insight into the requirements for compliance of large establishments. He regularly delivers City & Guilds-accredited training, and lectures to a wide range of organisations, with the emphasis on Legionella awareness and compliance. He formed Steve Mount Associates in January 2006 following a 25- year career in microbiology and UKAS-accredited Legionella analysis. The company provides a range of professional Legionella management, training, and consultancy services, and is fully independent, with no links to any water treatment company or chemical supplier.
September 2023 Health Estate Journal 51
is the only reliable way to verify the validity of an approval. If you have concerns about specific claims made by a water treatment company, it’s a good idea to check the product’s approvals and certifications with the relevant regulatory bodies and industry organisations. Additionally, you can contact the DWI or the ASA if you believe that any claims are misleading or in violation of regulations.
Conclusions In summary, before you decide to purchase a product, it is important to conduct thorough research, seek and read independent reviews, customer reviews, or expert opinions, and rely on reputable sources. When evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobial building water hygiene products, requesting and evaluating validation data and field trials using the product is also vitally important. Consulting with qualified professionals in the field of water hygiene and treatment can provide valuable guidance in selecting appropriate and effective products for specific needs, which can be helpful in making informed decisions. Ask for the validated data before
you buy, and understand what you are getting. Remember ‘Without data you’re just another person with an opinion’ – W. Edwards Deming, Data Scientist. You owe it to yourself to keep you out of court, and you owe it to your staff and patients to keep them safe.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120
