Menu
Log in
Intranet

Uncategorised

Introducing Chlorine Dioxide

Water Systems in Sports Facilities: Introducing Chlorine dioxide

Introduction Chlorine dioxide:

As experts in water hygiene and Legionella risk management, Dantek provides effective solutions for maintaining clean and safe water systems in sports facilities. In the sports industry, controlling Legionella in water systems is crucial to protect the health and well-being of athletes, staff, and visitors. While temperature control is often the primary method, situations may arise where it is not feasible to control the risk with this method. In these situations, Chlorine dioxide is a highly effective means of control that can be used to make water systems safe to use once again.

The Importance of Chlorine Dioxide Dosage:

Chlorine dioxide dosage has proven to be an extremely effective tool in combating Legionella growth and ensuring water system safety. It eliminates Legionella bacteria, prevents their multiplication, and minimizes the risk of Legionnaires’ disease transmission. In cases where temperature control is challenging or not an option, chlorine dioxide dosage provides a practical and effective solution. In addition to its bactericidal properties it also possesses the capability to remove biofilm. Biofilm is a slimy layer formed by microorganisms that can attach to the inner surfaces of pipes, tanks, and other components within water systems. It provides a protective environment for Legionella bacteria to thrive and multiply, making biofilm control crucial in Legionella management.

Important Considerations for Legionella Control:

Before installing a unit, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive review of the water risk assessment and the existing control regime. This review helps identify potential areas of concern and determines the appropriate dosage requirements for effective Legionella control. In cases where control is lost, certain initial steps should be taken, such as reviewing the number and locations of samples taken and assessing the percentage of failures in the sampling process. It is particularly important to focus on water systems where the treatment regime, including factors like temperature and disinfectant concentrations, is not consistently achieving the desired control levels. Alongside the thorough review of the system and treatment regimes, frequent testing should be carried out, ideally on a weekly basis, to provide early warning signs of control loss. Once the system is successfully brought back under control, as evidenced by monitoring results, it is advisable to reassess the frequency of testing.

Implementing Regular Legionella Testing:

While chlorine dioxide dosage is an effective control measure, it should be complemented with regular legionella testing. Legionella testing serves as an interim safety check until a viable control solution, such as chlorine dioxide dosage, is fully implemented. Regular testing helps monitor the effectiveness of the control measures and ensures the ongoing safety of the water system.

Proven Effectiveness in Legionella Control:

Chlorine dioxide dosage has established itself as a highly effective solution for controlling Legionella in domestic water systems. Its implementation significantly reduces the risk of Legionella contamination, providing reassurance to facility owners and operators.

The benefits of using for Legionella control are numerous:

  1. Reduced Chemical Handling Issues: Chlorine dioxide is derived from relatively safe precursor chemicals, such as CDA (Chlorine Dioxide Activator) and CDB (Chlorine Dioxide Base). These are weak solutions of acid and salt, making them easy to handle and minimizing chemical handling concerns.
  2. Enhanced Oxidative Power: Approximately 2.6 times the oxidative power of chlorine. This increased potency enables it to effectively kill Legionella bacteria within drinking water limits.
  3. Biofilm Removal: Has the ability to remove biofilm, a slimy layer that provides a habitat for Legionella bacteria. By eliminating biofilm, chlorine dioxide disrupts the conditions conducive to Legionella growth, further enhancing the efficacy of Legionella control measures.
  4. On-Site Testing and Safety Verification: It is easy to test for on-site. This enables swift verification of safety through a simple on-site test, providing timely feedback on the effectiveness of Legionella control efforts.
  5. Compliance with Standards: The chemicals used for generation, CDA and CDB, comply with BS EN 1278 standards. This compliance ensures that effective levels of chlorine dioxide can be continuously dosed into drinking water supplies, meeting the necessary regulatory requirements.
  6. Low Ongoing Chemical Costs: CDA and CDB efficiently treat a large volume of water, resulting in cost-effective Legionella control. This helps minimize ongoing chemical expenses associated with maintaining water system safety.
  7. High-Quality Equipment Installation: Dantek provides chlorine dioxide solutions and installs top-of-the-range equipment to ensure the generation of the purest chlorine dioxide. This minimizes the production of by-products like chlorite and chlorate, further enhancing the safety and quality of the treated water.

By leveraging these benefits, chlorine dioxide dosage proves to be a reliable and efficient approach to Legionella control, offering peace of mind to those responsible for the safety of water systems.

Flexible Application:

Dosage can be applied in various water system configurations, making it adaptable to different sports facility settings. Whether it is a small training center or a large stadium, chlorine dioxide dosage can be tailored to suit specific requirements.

Continuous Protection:

Once the dosage is implemented, it provides continuous protection against Legionella growth. By regularly dosing the water system with chlorine dioxide, the risk of Legionella multiplication is effectively minimized, ensuring a safer water supply for athletes and visitors.

System Overview and Installation:

Dantek specializes in the installation of chlorine dioxide units specifically designed to address problematic systems that have tested positive for Legionella. Our units are meticulously engineered to generate automatically, providing a reliable and uninterrupted disinfection process.

To ensure maximum effectiveness, our team of experts conducts a comprehensive site survey, carefully assessing the specific requirements of each installation. This survey helps determine the optimal location for the unit, taking into account factors such as water flow, system design, and accessibility.

We understand that every water system is unique, which is why we offer customizable installation options. These options include integrating pulsed water meters, delayed action ball valves, or CLO2 aqua cells. By incorporating these components, we enable precise dosage control, ensuring the accurate and uniform dispersion throughout the water volume. This meticulous control over chemical dosage enhances the overall efficiency of the disinfection process.

We recognize the importance of correctly sizing the system and understanding the limitations of an installation. This is an area where other contractors often fall short. At Dantek, we prioritize accurate system sizing, ensuring that the unit is appropriately matched to the specific requirements of the water system. By doing so, we maximize the effectiveness of the installation and provide our clients with a solution tailored to their needs.

With our expertise and attention to detail, Dantek delivers reliable and efficient chlorine dioxide installations, addressing Legionella concerns effectively and preventing future occurrences.

Compliance and Safety Measures:

Dantek is dedicated to upholding regulatory guidelines and industry best practices, prioritizing the safety and compliance of our installations. Our proposed system strictly aligns with the recommendations set forth by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), guaranteeing continuous monitoring of chlorine dioxide levels to remain below the maximum allowable limit.

To ensure the safety and accuracy of the dosage, our system incorporates reliable measuring cells that prevent overdosage. These high-quality measuring cells provide precise and real-time monitoring, allowing for immediate adjustments if necessary. By implementing this safety cut-off system, we prioritize the well-being of both the water system and its users. We handle all aspects of the installation process, providing the necessary materials and skilled labour to ensure a hassle-free experience for our clients.

Rental Units:

To address immediate Legionella control issues, Dantek offers rental chlorine dioxide units that can be swiftly deployed to your sports facility. Renting eliminates the need for significant upfront capital expenses associated with purchasing and installing new equipment, allowing you to allocate your resources more efficiently while benefiting from effective Legionella control measures. Our rental units are designed to achieve and maintain legislative compliance, creating a safe and compliant environment for athletes and visitors. Additionally, chlorine dioxide treatment can lead to reduced running costs, and our rental units generate the highest purity for maximum effectiveness.

By implementing chlorine dioxide dosage as an effective Legionella control measure, sports facilities can ensure clean and safe water systems for athletes, staff, and visitors. Dantek’s expertise in water hygiene and Legionella risk management, along with our tailored solutions and rental units, enables us to support the sports industry in maintaining Legionella-free water systems. Contact our team to learn more and safeguard the health and well-being of everyone in your sports facility.

To learn more about chlorine dioxide units and how they can benefit your facility, contact us today https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/contact-us/ at 01454 417 920 or email sales@dantek.co.uk.

Additional information can be found https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf

Legionella Responsible Persons Training Course

At Dantek, we are pleased to offer our comprehensive Legionella Responsible Persons Training Course. With the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH regulations, and the management of health and safety regulations in mind, it is crucial to manage Legionella risks appropriately. Our course is designed to equip site staff with the practical understanding and knowledge needed to effectively control and prevent the spread of legionnaires’ disease.

Aim: Enhancing Your Understanding and Compliance with Legionnaires’ Disease Control

Join our training course on Monday, 3rd July, and empower yourself with a deeper understanding of the risks associated with legionnaires’ disease. We will explore the relevant legislation in place to prevent and control the disease, ensuring that you have the tools necessary to safeguard your site and fulfill your duty of care.

What to Expect:

  1. Multiple Choice Test: Assess your knowledge and gauge your progress.
  2. Certificate: Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.
  3. Course Notes: Get comprehensive notes to refer back to whenever needed.

Course Topics:

  1. Introduction: Understanding the significance of legionnaires’ disease and its impact on public health.
  2. Background to the Disease: Exploring the causes, symptoms, and transmission of legionnaires’ disease.
  3. Legislation – Health and Safety Law: Complying with the relevant legislation to ensure effective control and prevention.
  4. Identification and Risk Assessment: Learn how to identify potential risks.
  5. Legionella Outbreak Analysis: Analyzing past outbreaks to enhance your prevention strategies.
  6. Prevention and Control: Implementing effective control measures and best practices.
  7. Record Keeping / Logbook: Understanding the importance of proper record-keeping for compliance purposes.
  8. Who is Responsible? Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of key individuals.
  9. Risk Systems: Developing robust risk management systems and protocols.
  10. Overview of Approved Methods of Control: Familiarizing yourself with the most effective control methods available.
  11. The Role of the Responsible Person: Understanding the critical role responsible persons play in Legionella control.
  12. Q&A: Engage with our knowledgeable instructors and address any queries you may have.
  13. Test: Assess your comprehension and solidify your understanding of the course material.

Pricing and Package Details:

The Legionella Responsible Persons Training Course is available at a competitive rate of £125 per person (excluding VAT). This comprehensive package includes the following:

Light Lunch: Enjoy a complimentary light lunch during the training session, allowing you to refuel and stay focused throughout the day.

Multiple Choice Test: Assess your knowledge and progress through a carefully crafted multiple choice test, enabling you to gauge your understanding of the course material.

Certificate: Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive a certificate as a testament to your accomplishment and competence in legionella control.

Course Notes: Gain access to a valuable set of course notes, providing you with a handy reference to reinforce your learning long after the training is over. These notes will serve as a valuable resource in your role as a responsible person.

Limited spaces are available, so don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in Legionella risk management. Contact our sales team today at sales@dantek.co.uk or call 01454 417 920 to secure your spot in the Legionella Responsible Persons Training Course. Act now and ensure compliance with the regulations while effectively protecting the health and safety of your site.

 

Pride Month 🌈 Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion 2023!

This Pride Month “June”, the world comes together to honor and celebrate Pride Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. At Dantek, we are thrilled to embrace this momentous occasion by reaffirming our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that fostering an inclusive workplace not only enriches our company culture but also paves the way for a more equitable society.

As part of our dedication to LGBTQ+ rights, we understand the pivotal role that policies play in promoting diversity and inclusion. At Dantek, we continually review our policies and practices to ensure they align with our commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. This ongoing evaluation allows us to create an environment where every employee feels safe, valued, and respected.

Our colorful edition of the Dantek logo proudly adorns our digital platforms and physical spaces throughout the month of June. The vibrant rainbow emblem not only symbolizes our support for Pride Month but also serves as a visible representation of our unwavering commitment to inclusivity.

At Dantek, we celebrate Pride Month with joy, pride, and the unwavering belief that a diverse and inclusive society is a stronger and brighter one.

🌈❤️ #PrideMonth #DantekCelebratesDiversity

http://www.dantek.co.uk

How safe can my School ever be?

Welcome back to the top 5 problems schools face with legionella risk assessments!

This month, I am going to try and help you answer questions 3 and 4. If you have a problem or question that is not covered, please email holly@dantek.co.uk

Top 5 problems with legionella risk assessments!

  1. April’s Blog: Is your Legionella risk assessment current and when does it need to be updated? How will you know?
  2. April’s Blog: Written scheme. What does it mean and how do I write one?
  3. May’s Blog: How safe can my school ever be?
  4. May’s Blog: Asset registers. Mind-blowing pages of cold taps, hot taps and mixer valves etc. What’s the point?
  5. June’s Blog: Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?
How safe can my school ever be?

You need to sleep at night knowing that you have done everything that is reasonably practicable to make your school a safe place to learn and grow. Your school can be or already is a safe place and if you follow the advice given by your contractor and local authority it will continue to be.

Legionellosis sounds scary and if not managed life-threatening.  Legionellosis is an illness in humans caused by a bacteria called Legionella. We do not have any figures for 2021 or 2022 yet, and figures from 2020 are distorted by Covid. In 2020 the monthly surveillance reports stopped in October with 295 cases reported in the first 10 months of the year. Legionnaires disease is a real threat and requires real action to be taken.

An assessment of the susceptibility of the site population is a critical part of a Legionella risk assessment, which must be reviewed regularly. This takes us back to staff changes and the mental and physical health of your teachers and staff. Risk factors include Males, Age, heavy smokers, alcohol consumption, no exercise, and underlying diseases such as cancer, organ transplant, etc.

Unfortunately, we have little control over stopping Legionella from getting into our water systems. Contamination from small amounts of this bacteria within the mains water and airborne droplets is inevitable. From a risk analysis point of view, we must assume that our systems will encounter Legionella bacteria at some stage in their life cycle.

Risk Factors

  • Water temperature between 20–45 °C
  • Stored, stagnant and/or re-circulated water
  • A source of nutrients for the organism e.g. presence of sludge, scale, organic materials and rust
  • Water fittings made of certain materials
  • Capacity for aerosol generation
  • Numbers & susceptibility of site population
  • The ability of management to control risk

 Once you have taken the first step in compliance and had your legionella risk assessment completed, your school will be graded like an Ofsted report with the difference of 5 bands.

The reality of the school’s risk from legionella will be the current risk score. Don’t be alarmed, look at the “action to be taken” i.e. risks that can be removed, and then the realistic score for your school following completion of the advised remedial actions.

As you can see from the below example the “New Building” has a current score of 50 which has placed the school into the medium-risk category. By completing the recommended actions, the school or particular academic building will reduce to a low/medium risk with continued monitoring. Be mindful that even the smallest buildings, even if they only have one wash hand basin will be graded with a risk factor.

Risk Summary inc review date

  1. Must be current.
  2. High risk = 6 months
  3. Medium risk = Two years
  4. Low risk = 5 years

 

 

 

Can your school ever be safe from legionella?

Your school may never be free from legionella, but you can manage and control the risk and prevent staff from catching legionnaires disease.  Legionella specialists are available to help you, including Dantek, and by working together as a team we can prevent the harmful effects of water.

  • Keep hot water hot
  • Keep cold water cold
  • Keep the water moving
  • Keep it clean

Consider if special steps need to be taken at different times of the academic year. Half term and summer holidays, resulting in a big change to the use of the school. Very few staff and no pupils, resulting in taps and showers that are used regularly during term time have now been left unused for weeks. This can lead to stagnation of the water which can encourage the growth of legionella and other nasty bacteria. Make plans for who is going to flush those normally used outlets at least weekly during the holidays.

Additional information can be found:

Approved code of practice – https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l8.pdf

HSE website – legal updates & outbreaks https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm

HSG274 technical guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg274.htm

Dantek – Advice, services and training https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk

Asset Registers: The Key to Efficient Legionella Risk Assessments in Schools

When it comes to ensuring the safety of students and staff in schools, there are many factors that must be considered. One of these is the potential risk of Legionella bacteria in the water system, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. To prevent this, schools must conduct regular Legionella risk assessments and take appropriate measures to control the risk.

One crucial aspect of Legionella risk assessments is the creation of an asset register. This is a document that lists all the assets in the water system that could potentially harbor Legionella bacteria, such as cold taps, hot taps, and mixer valves. While this may seem like a mind-numbing task, the importance of maintaining a comprehensive asset register cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of effective Legionella risk management and is essential for record-keeping purposes.

When a Legionella risk assessor arrives at a school, it is important that they have access to all the areas they need to inspect. This can be a challenge, as schools have busy schedules and exam timetables that must be taken into account. To ensure that assessors have the access they need, the operational management team must work with the school to determine which areas the assessors will need to inspect. A clear and detailed asset register is essential for this process, as it will provide a complete list of all the assets that require inspection.

Creating an asset register can seem like a daunting task, especially for schools with multiple buildings and thousands of outlets. However, it is an investment in the safety of students and staff, and there are tools available to make the process easier. On completion of the risk assessment, your assessor will be able to provide you with an asset register in Excel, allowing schools to use filters to sort the data by asset type and location. This makes it easy to identify the sentinel points that need to be monitored and recorded every month.

In addition, schools can choose to go paperless with their water hygiene records by using an electronic logbook. This eliminates the need for paper-based logbooks and makes it easier to track compliance. Many reputable providers offer this service, and some, such as Dantek, provide a free electronic logbook to contracted customers. This logbook includes an automatic asset upload and real-time compliance.

Maintaining a comprehensive asset register is a key element of Legionella risk management in schools. By investing in this process and using tools such as electronic logbooks, schools can ensure the safety of their students and staff while reducing the administrative burden of compliance. To learn more about Legionella risk assessments in schools or to schedule a free demonstration of Dantek’s electronic logbook, visit our website or call our friendly team.

#legionellacontrolinyourschool #legionellacontrol #riskassessment #legionellariskassessment #teamdantek #legionellaadvice #riskassessmentproblems #safeschools #remedialactions #assetregister #riskassessmentupdate #writtenscheme #legionellacontractorsouthwest #legionellacontratorsouthwales #legionellacontractorwestmidlands #electroniclogbook

Contact us for more information or to book a free demonstration.
Our website is a great tool for local services, FAQs, sectors, and price guides. please visit https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/sectors/schools/ for further information or contact our friendly team on 01454 417920 or email sales@dantek.co.uk quoting reference, SCHOOL23 which will allow 5% discount for new customers.

WORLD WATER DAY 2023 – ACCELERATING CHANGE


We dedicate today to one of the most precious resources on our planet: WATER. Every year, World Water Day is held on March 22 to draw attention to the importance of clean water. Dantek helps businesses to keep water systems safe, clean, and legionella compliant. We will be working together with Frank water in 2023 toward a future where the world’s water sources are protected from the impact of the climate crisis. We believe and support their vision of a global water system in which everyone, everywhere has enough safe water to stay healthy, sustain their livelihoods, and unlock their potential.

You and your family, school, business, and community can make a difference by changing the way you use, consume, and manage water in your lives.

Your commitments will be added to the Water Action Agenda, to be launched at the UN 2023 Water Conference – the first event of its kind for nearly 50 years.

This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the world to unite around water.

#frankwater #worldwaterday

TR19 Kitchen extract cleaning

 

To comply with the TR19 internal cleanlines of ventilation systems, kitchen extract systems should be cleaned to ensure the thickness of grease deposits is kept below 200 micorns throughout the system.

To clean kitchen extract Dantek use a DFDL solution which is sprayed onto the surfaces and left to work for at least 10 minutes.  Surfaces are wiped, scrubbed or scrapped to remove deposits.  A post cleaning report is provided including photo’s of the internal sections of the canopy.

James Purday (Dantek Engineer) who carried out a kitchen extract clean recently for a large canteen at a factory said “ it is always really satisfying when you see the results post clean, it can be hard work but I enjoy the challenge”.

 

Kitchen extract cleaning
Large kitchen canopy pre clean

 

Kitchen extract cleaning
Grease filters requiring clean
Kitchen extract cleaning
Post clean – grease filters

Filtration system fitted to Cold Water storage tank

Water tank
Filter fitted to water tank inlet

Dantek engineer Dave Smith noticed on routine inspection there was a large amount of sediment in the tank despite the recent clean and disinfection carried out. After a site visit and further investigation it was decided the best course of action was to install a filter to remove all suspended solid particles such as earth, sand, rust or any particles larger than 10 micron.

A Cyclonic Cintropur Filter with 10 Micron Filtration was supplied & installed  by Dantek, with pressure gauges on both the inlet and outlet  including a purge valve at the base of the filter bowl.

During routine water hygiene monitoring the pressure differential is recorded between the inlet and outlet of the filter,  and any debris will be flushed from the base of the filter bowl if necessary, also when required or at a minimum of every 3 months the 10 micron filter mesh will be changed as recommended for best hygiene practices on potable water supplies, and to flush out the bypass to eliminate any stagnation.

All data of these works are recorded in the clients Electronic Log Book supplied free of charge to all of our clients.

For more information about how Dantek can help keep your water safe call now for a free initial consultation. 01454 417920

 

Excellent results for Dantek Engineers at Uni!

Water hygiene monitoring
Great work by Dantek Engineers at Uni at water hygiene monitoring

Holly Jakes our account manager for University of Gloucestershire was delighted to hear the Dantek team have become the first contractor to ever be awarded with “excellent”, the highest score possible on the University’s service provider review matrix.  Our engineers were recognised for their exemplary presence on site and the high standard of work carried out.

One of the reasons for the high performance was that the University use the Dantek electronic log book for their monitoring contract, which is provided free for all our contract customers. On site staff received training on how to use the electronic log book, to ensure they use the system easily and effectively manage legionella control across the University.

If you would like to find out more about our electronic log book, or how we can help your site manage Legionella control please call our sales team today 01454 417920 or email info@dantek.co.uk.

Water Softener Service

Softener services
Routine water softener service

 

Dantek offer service and repair services on all types of commercial water softeners, with our specialist water softener team throughout the UK.

 During a routine softener service, a thorough check of the overall operation of the softener system is carried out, the brine tank inspected and the regeneration settings are checked to ensure it is working correctly.

The HSG 274 control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold-water systems recommends the following checks for Base Exchange softeners, these are carried out during a 6-monthly softener service:

  • Check there are no visible leaks from the valve seals and end plugs
  • Check the injector is clear and brine is being drawn
  • Check the brine valve is free and not allowing water into the brine tank during service
  • Check the brine level float control (if fitted)
  • Check the regeneration operation
  • Check the water hardness and confirm the softener is giving soft water

An annual service would include the above with the addition of the below

  • Strip down of valve head and replace any warn seals or O-rings as per service kit, if required
  • Visual inspection of softener resin

During the water softener service visit, we will identify any system faults and provide a full report together with a quote for any work required.

The engineer will complete all record systems by logging gathered information and reporting non-compliance, so you can be confident your water softener is performing in an efficient, cost effective and reliable way, and your systems are being protected from the damaging effects of hard water.

Service visits are available from £150 per column.

Call 01454 417920 for a free initial consultation.

Back To Top