What does water hygiene entail and what services do water hygiene companies provide? From assessments to treatments and even training, read on to find out what the key steps are when it comes to water hygiene processes.
Pre-Commissioning Cleaning
This is the first step to water hygiene in newly commissioned buildings. All new closed water systems should have a pre-commissioning cleaning service which will lay the foundations for good water hygiene for the lifecycle of the system. The company will check for potential problems such as leaks, high energy consumption, the likelihood of blockages and a risk assessment for bacterium. It is a legal requirement that new closed water systems undergo a pre-commissioning cleaning service before the build is complete.
Legionella Risk Assessments
A Legionella Risk Assessment is a key part of any good hygiene practice for all water systems, including closed water systems, cooling water tower treatments and steam water boiling treatments. A Legionella Risk Assessment is the key first step in the control of these potentially deadly bacteria. The assessment will ascertain the levels of risk and will then include guidance and advice on maintenance. The assessment will include the putting together of a written legionella control scheme and the appointment of a responsible person to manage and implement the scheme. The assessment will include advice on how to keep accurate records.
Cooling Water Tower Treatments
Cooling Water Towers are highly susceptible to legionella bacteria. Water hygiene specialists will carry out a full assessment or inspection and, if necessary, any required maintenance such as tank refurbishment or replacement and a treatment of the system. The treatment may be chemical, or may be the chemical-free Wallenius Advance Oxidation Technology treatment – a cheaper and more environmentally friendly option.
Closed Water System Treatment
Maintenance for closed water systems may include an inspection, remediation cleaning, balanced flushing, installing a new filtering system, acid descaling and, again, a choice of chemical or non-chemical water treatment if necessary. Maintenance will also include the monitoring of water hygiene levels.
Steam Boiler Treatment
These kinds of water systems are highly susceptible to corrosion, which can have catastrophic effects on the hygiene of the water. A water hygiene service will work to reduce and remove impurities from both the exterior and the interior of the boiler using filtration or chemical treatment.
Training
One of the key steps by water hygiene companies to improve standards is training building developers and facilities managers in legionella awareness. Provision of training can help professionals keep the water in their building safe going forwards.
From pre-commissioning cleaning in newly installed water systems to risk assessment, on-going maintenance, monitoring, water treatment and training, these are the key steps undertaken by water hygiene specialists to ensure the well-being and health of your water system. Good water hygiene protects everybody – both your staff and the general public – from the potentially fatal risks of certain water borne bacterium such as legionella.
