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Time to tap into water safety?


As Legionella awareness grows and customers increasingly seek expert guidance, Greg Rankin, chief executive at water safety expert Hydrosense explains how adding water safety services can create a new value-added opportunity for the installer and engineer in the know


L


egionella is nothing new. Around for thousands of years before being formally identifi ed in the 70s, this potentially deadly


bacterium has lurked in man-made water systems – from taps and showers to air conditioning systems, pools and hot tubs. The risks are well understood, and most installers, engineers and water-system professionals are familiar with the standards and controls needed to keep them in check. But the risk is changing. Ageing infrastructure,


a warming climate, evolving patterns of water use and increasingly complex systems are creating new opportunities for Legionella to thrive. And the warning signs are becoming harder to ignore. This is seen as cases of Legionnaires’ disease are


rising all across the world. Earlier this year, the UK Health Security Agency reported an “unseasonal increase” in cases across London. Elsewhere, other major health authorities, most notably including New York, have faced recurring outbreaks and growing concerns around Legionella risk. Against this backdrop, more than ever


commercial operators are taking a more proactive approach to Legionella detection and prevention, looking to strengthen their practices and protect their people, business and reputation.


Evolving expectations


But why, you may ask, is this relevant for installers and engineers? The role of the engineer has changed. Once, the job might have been seen as simply installing, fi xing or maintaining a system. Today, that is only part of the picture. Amid the growing focus on sustainability, digitalisation and increasingly


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Above: Greg Rankin, chief executive at Hydrosense


sophisticated systems, they are increasingly expected to act as trusted advisors – providing informed recommendations and helping customers navigate ever-more complex requirements. Water safety is no


exception. With customers looking for greater reassurance around the


safety and management of their water systems, installers and engineers are well placed to provide that expertise. By adding water safety services to their existing off ering, they can move beyond the traditional installation or maintenance role and become a more valuable, trusted partner to their customers. At the same time, practically speaking, it makes


sense. Installers and engineers work directly with the water systems and infrastructure that can infl uence water safety. They are therefore well placed to identify potential issues, advise customers on good practice and, where appropriately qualifi ed, support measures that can help reduce the conditions in which Legionella can thrive. Every time an installer or engineer designs,


repairs, services or commissions a water system, decisions are being made that can aff ect its long- term performance. From minimising unnecessary dead legs and ensuring appropriate fl ow, to supporting eff ective recirculation and helping systems maintain appropriate temperatures, good system design and maintenance can play an important role in water safety.


Proactive prevention


There is also an opportunity to go one step further. By incorporating proactive water safety checks and, where appropriate, rapid Legionella testing into existing installation and maintenance services, they can provide customers with greater visibility of their water systems. This could form part of a broader preventative water safety off ering. Regular checks, documentation and rapid testing could help businesses identify potential issues earlier and demonstrate a more proactive approach to managing water safety. The benefi ts of this are twofold. Foremost,


proactive inspection eff orts can not only help to ensure safer water systems for everyone but create a new revenue stream. Also, amid growing awareness about Legionella and the need for more robust preventative measures, those early adopters of this approach will be more likely to gain market share as demand increases - especially in industries with heightened health and safety priorities.


A recurring revenue stream


Water safety is no longer an issue that sits solely with specialist consultants or facilities teams. As awareness of Legionella grows and customers take a more proactive approach to managing risk, installers and engineers have an important role to play. For those willing to broaden their off ering, this


represents more than an opportunity to provide an additional service. It is a chance to build deeper relationships with customers, demonstrate greater value and create a recurring revenue stream as Legionella continues to rise up the safety agenda.


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