7 Ways to Improve Office Hygiene and Cleanliness
With businesses already putting plans in place to get people back into the office, ensuring good hygiene practices is paramount in preventing any spread of coronavirus in...
Read Full ArticleThe Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is encouraging business and property owners to consider the risks posed by their water systems sooner rather than later, to avoid health risks.
The restrictions placed on people and businesses to restrict the spread of COVID-19 since mid-March have meant many premises have been left closed or with minimal staff, meaning many water systems may have been left stagnant.
This could have resulted in warming of water in internal plumbing systems, growth of micro-organisms or increased uptake of plumbing metals. Stagnant water can encourage the growth of micro-organisms, including Legionella.
Plumbers, facilities managers and landlords are therefore urged to follow Water UK guidance, as stagnant water can pose a potential health risk.
“Stagnant water can pose a risk for the users and residents of any kind of building, so it is vital that the water system is prepared and refreshed before access resumes.”
–Julie Spinks
Managing Director, WRAS
Where buildings have been unoccupied for less than 30 days or where steps have been taken to prevent microbiological growth, the guidance advises those property owners should undertake the following:
For larger buildings, those with tanks, showers, calorifiers and more complex pipework, Water UK explains that the expectation is likely to be for more extensive flushing followed by cleaning and disinfection. Buildings with a complex plumbing system should ensure they have a competent person to oversee this work.
Where the building has been unoccupied for more than 30 days it is important to refer to your buildings water management plan and your water advisors as flushing, disinfection and other measures may be required.
Julie Spinks, Managing Director of WRAS, said: “Whilst businesses are understandably keen to open their doors, it’s important to consider all areas of health and safety, beyond those directly related to COVID-19.
“Stagnant water can pose a risk for the users and residents of any kind of building, so it is vital that the water system is prepared and refreshed before access resumes.
“Water UK’s guidance on recovering buildings and networks after prolonged inactivity provides clear and helpful information for anyone involved in managing a premises, but approved plumbers should also take the time to understand the recommendations to advise their clients accordingly.”
Toby Hunt from Guardian Water Treatment, urges responsible parties to proceed with caution when it comes to flushing, and says that it is not a standalone solution:
"Our evidence shows that flushing buildings during periods of inactivity alone may not resolve potential water quality issues. While it could serve to reduce Legionella bacteria, overall microbiological control is likely to be compromised," said Hunt.
"We have compared four weeks of sample results from this period last year and now, in London buildings that have been locked down and flushed regularly. Legionella failure results are virtually the same, but the TVC (Total Viable Count - which gives an estimate of the total concentration of microorganisms) failure rates have almost doubled.
"Nearly half of the buildings sampled in the last four weeks have failed TVC results, compared with 24% in the same period last year. As the weather gets warmer, these failure rates are likely to increase.
"Flushing is still important however other measures may be required to ensure control of bacteria in these water systems. We recommend that supplementary microbiological samples should be taken to prove regimes are effective, other actions implemented if required."
More guidance can also be found at Legionella Control Associations’ (LCAs) website.
Picture: An image showing a whirlpool and a droplet of water
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 21 May 2020
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