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8 reasons to take water samples in the retail sector?

In the bustling world of retail, maintaining a safe and hygienic environment is paramount. As a responsible retail manager, you’re aware that customer satisfaction is directly tied to cleanliness and safety. This is where water sampling, encompassing legionella and TVCC sampling, steps in as a proactive solution to ensure water hygiene and safety within your retail establishment.

8 reasons why microbial water sampling matters:

Microbial water sampling is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a targeted strategy aimed at specific situations. It’s crucial to understand that routine sampling and testing of domestic hot and mains-fed cold water might not be necessary in every circumstance. However, there are instances where microbial water sampling becomes essential, safeguarding both your customers and your business reputation.

Here are 8 scenarios that warrant microbial water sampling:

  1. Legionella risk assessment: If your legionella risk assessment indicates a need for water sampling, microbial sampling becomes a valuable tool in maintaining water safety.
  2. Control Measure Verification: When you’re unsure about the effectiveness of your existing control measures, water sampling provides clarity and peace of mind.
  3. Biocide Treatment: After treating your water system with biocides, microbial water sampling ensures the treatment’s success and prevents potential risks.
  4. Temperature and Disinfectant Control: Inconsistent temperature control and disinfectant concentrations can lead to microbial growth. Sampling helps you identify these issues promptly.
  5. High-Risk Individuals: If your premises house individuals vulnerable to infections, microbial sampling becomes a crucial safeguard.
  6. Past Outbreaks: If your establishment has experienced legionellosis outbreaks.
  7. Non-Mains Water Supply: For businesses with non-mains water supply sources, such as private springs, microbial sampling ensures the safety of your water source.
  8. System Anomalies: Various system anomalies like low usage, stagnation, or excess storage capacity can increase microbial risks. Sampling helps detect and address these concerns.

Types of Microbial Water Sampling:

Legionella sampling: This focuses on detecting the presence of Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Regular legionella sampling helps you mitigate potential health hazards.

TVC (Total Viable Count) sampling: TVC sampling provides insights into the overall bacterial activity in your water. Monitoring trends helps maintain water quality and hygiene.

TVCC (Total Viable Count and Coliforms/E. coli) sampling: This comprehensive sampling method detects both general bacterial counts and specific coliforms and E. coli. A failed result triggers appropriate actions to ensure safety.

The Sampling Process and Results:

At the heart of this approach lies simplicity and ease. We understand that your time is valuable, and that’s why we offer two convenient avenues for nationwide retail sites.

Sample Bottles Delivered to Your Doorstep:

Our hassle-free approach allows you to receive sample bottles directly at your establishment. You can even order them through our online shop.  These bottles come complete with detailed instructions, guiding you through the straightforward sampling process.

Expert On-Site Assistance: Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-on approach, our skilled technicians can visit your site to collect the samples. Our professionals are trained in aseptic techniques and follow stringent procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results. With on-site sampling, you can have peace of mind knowing that the process is being handled by experts.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Self-Sampling:

For those who opt to collect samples themselves, our sample bottles come with comprehensive instructions. These step-by-step guidelines cover every aspect of the sampling process, from properly collecting the sample to securely sealing the bottle. We understand that clear instructions are crucial, so we’ve designed our guidelines to be user-friendly and easy to follow.

Once samples are collected, they are submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing. The turnaround time for results varies depending on the type of sampling:

Legionella Results: Final results are available within 12 days, with interim results indicating positives on day 6.

TVC Results: Approximately 5 days are needed for TVC results, with E. coli or coliform detection results available within 3 days.

Factors Influencing Results:

Several factors can influence microbial sampling results. Older buildings with outdated pipework and disused outlets pose higher risks. Environmental factors like temperature also impact bacterial growth. Proper sampling techniques, including aseptic methods, are vital for accurate results. Running taps in little-used outlets weekly prevents stagnation and positive results.

In the dynamic retail industry, prioritizing water hygiene and safety is a responsibility that shouldn’t be overlooked. Microbial water sampling serves as your vigilant ally, providing insights and data necessary for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment. By embracing microbial water sampling, you take proactive measures that resonate with customers and contribute to the long-term success of your retail business.

Call Us Today! Our experts are here to address your questions, provide guidance, and assist you in implementing a comprehensive microbial water sampling plan that suits your needs.

Our friendly team is available now to chat at www.dantek.co.uk. Call 01454 417 920 or email sales@dantek.co.uk

Legionella Risk Management During School Holidays

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff is a priority for schools, colleges, and universities throughout the year. One critical aspect of this responsibility is managing the risk of Legionella bacteria, particularly during periods of reduced activity like school holidays. This article explores practical ways to minimize Legionella risks and keep water systems safe, focusing on prevention and proactive measures during low-usage periods.

What Is Legionella, and Why Is It a Risk?

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water. While water systems are often designed with safety in mind, long periods of inactivity—like end-of-term breaks—can increase the chance of contamination. Without regular water flow, stagnant conditions can develop, creating the perfect environment for Legionella to grow.

Practical Tips for Managing Legionella Risks

  1. Keep Water Moving
    Regular water circulation is crucial. Stagnation allows Legionella to grow, especially in water temperatures between 20–45°C. Make sure taps, showers, and other outlets are used regularly or flushed out to keep the water moving.
  2. Control Temperatures
    • Cold water should stay below 20°C.
    • Hot water should be stored above 60°C and delivered at no less than 50°C at the outlet.
      These temperature ranges make it harder for Legionella to survive and multiply.
  3. Flushing During Breaks
    During holidays or other quiet periods, flushing water systems is a must. Outlets that aren’t used daily should be flushed at least once a week. If there’s a history of Legionella in the building, daily flushing may be necessary.Tip: A contractor or water management expert can help you create a tailored flushing schedule to suit your needs.
  4. Follow Expert Guidance
    Refer to the HSG274 Part 2 Guidelines, which offer practical advice for managing water systems in buildings with low or intermittent use. These guidelines are particularly useful for holiday periods when water usage naturally drops. You can access the full document here.
  5. Regular Risk Assessments
    A Legionella risk assessment acts as a roadmap for identifying vulnerabilities in your water system. It helps you understand where potential risks exist and whether current safety measures are working effectively.
  6. Maintain and Clean Systems
    After long periods of inactivity, water systems should be flushed, cleaned, and disinfected before being used again. Regular maintenance keeps systems safe and prevents any buildup of bacteria.

Why It Matters

Managing Legionella risks might seem technical, but it’s all about ensuring clean, safe water for everyone who uses the space. Regular checks, proper flushing, and keeping temperatures in the right range are simple yet effective steps that go a long way in reducing risks.

If you’re unsure about your current approach or need professional advice, feel free to contact us at 01454 417 920 or send an email to sales@dantek.co.uk. We’re here to help you keep your water systems safe, even during quieter times of the year.

Managing Legionella Risk in Schools: Key Challenges and Solutions

Ensuring a safe environment for students and staff is a top priority for schools, and Legionella risk assessment is a critical component of this mission. However, managing Legionella risk assessments can be complex, especially when schools are already balancing multiple safety and compliance responsibilities. With over 20 years of experience in Legionella management, Dantek understands the unique challenges schools face and offers insights into the most common issues—and how to address them effectively.

The Challenges of Legionella Risk Assessment in Schools

Schools often encounter several obstacles in managing Legionella risks effectively. Here are some of the most common challenges and practical strategies to help you stay compliant:

Keeping Risk Assessments Up-to-Date Regular risk assessments are necessary to identify and manage Legionella risks, but it can be challenging to know when updates are required. Schools must be aware of changes in their water systems, staffing, and building usage to maintain compliance. For example, adding a new shower block, altering plumbing, or assigning new personnel to water safety duties all signal that it’s time for an assessment review. Monitoring testing results is also essential to detect any ineffective control measures.

Tip: Set up calendar reminders to perform regular checks on your Legionella risk assessment. These reminders help ensure that changes are noted promptly and compliance is maintained.

Implementing a Written Scheme of Control A written scheme of control is a foundational document that outlines the procedures and responsibilities for managing Legionella risks in a school. This scheme should include specific control tasks (such as flushing unused outlets and temperature monitoring), designate responsible personnel, and detail emergency actions for suspected contamination. Many schools struggle to establish comprehensive control schemes that meet all regulatory requirements.

If creating a written scheme feels overwhelming, Dantek offers templates and guidance to help you get started. For more information, reach out at 01454 417920.

Maintaining a Robust Asset Register An asset register lists all water outlets across the school campus, including faucets, showers, and drinking fountains, and helps streamline Legionella management. For larger schools, tracking every water outlet can seem daunting, but a well-maintained asset register is essential for compliance and simplifies monitoring and maintenance tasks.

Consider using software like Excel to organize your asset register and an electronic logbook to manage compliance more easily. For contracted clients, Dantek offers free electronic logbooks that include real-time compliance tracking and asset upload capabilities.

Prioritizing and Budgeting for Remedial Actions After completing a Legionella risk assessment, schools are often presented with recommended remedial actions to minimize risk. With limited budgets, it can be challenging to prioritize these actions effectively. High-priority tasks, such as addressing serious risks and immediate control issues, should be completed within recommended timeframes. Lower-priority actions can be scheduled based on available resources and the school’s risk tolerance.

When selecting a contractor to carry out these remedial actions, choose one accredited by the Legionella Control Association (LCA) to ensure quality and compliance. For schools in the Southwest, West Midlands, and South Wales, Dantek offers reliable service and extensive experience in Legionella control.

Key Components for Effective Legionella Management

  • To minimize Legionella risks in school environments, focus on the following components:
  • Asset Register and Logbook: Maintain a thorough asset register and consider digital solutions to track compliance.
  • Written Scheme of Control: Develop a comprehensive control scheme that clearly defines roles, control tasks, emergency procedures, and record-keeping practices.
  • Regular Assessments and Updates: Schedule periodic reviews of your risk assessment to ensure it reflects the current state of the school’s water system and compliance needs.
  • Prioritization of Remedial Actions: Tackle high-risk items immediately and allocate budget for longer-term actions.

Understanding Legionella Risk Factors in Schools

  • Achieving a completely Legionella-free system may be unrealistic, but understanding how the bacteria thrives can help in risk management. Legionella bacteria multiply in certain conditions, so keeping these factors in check can reduce risks significantly:
  • Water Temperature: Legionella grows best in water temperatures between 20–45°C, so maintaining water at appropriate temperatures is critical.
  • Stagnant Water: Stagnant water in infrequently used outlets creates an ideal breeding ground for Legionella. Regularly flush unused outlets to prevent stagnation.
  • Nutrient Sources: Rust, sludge, and other debris in the water system can nourish Legionella. Maintaining clean systems reduces this risk.
  • Vulnerable Populations: Schools should pay special attention to vulnerable groups, such as younger students or individuals with compromised immune systems, as they may be more susceptible to infection.

By controlling these factors, schools can reduce Legionella risks and create a safer environment for all.

Managing Legionella risk in schools is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail, clear procedures, and regular updates. While the complete elimination of Legionella bacteria is challenging, schools can effectively minimize risks by keeping assessments up-to-date, maintaining an asset register, and implementing a written scheme of control.

If your school needs support with Legionella risk assessments, control schemes, or remedial actions, Dantek is here to help. Contact us at 01454 417920 or e mail sales@dantek.co.uk

https://dantekenvironmental.co.uk/sectors/schools/

Why FM Companies Choose Dantek’s Free Electronic Logbook

Staying on top of compliance requirements can be challenging, particularly when managing large portfolios. Dantek’s free electronic logbook is a game-changer, providing FM companies with a powerful tool to simplify Legionella compliance. The logbook’s ability to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and offer real-time insights makes it an invaluable asset for Facilities Management (FM) companies

Electronic Logbook for Legionella Compliance – Centralized Compliance Management

Dantek’s electronic logbook for Legionella compliance offers a centralised platform for managing all aspects of Legionella compliance. Whether you’re overseeing a single building or a vast portfolio, the logbook allows you to track compliance status, monitor water temperatures, record inspection results, and manage remedial actions—all in one place. This level of organisation is crucial for FM managers who need to ensure that no detail is overlooked. By centralising these functions, FM companies can significantly reduce the time and effort required to stay compliant across multiple sites.

Real-Time Reporting and Alerts

One of the standout features of our electronic logbook is its ability to provide real-time reporting. FM managers can receive notifications of non-compliances, allowing for swift corrective actions. The system includes an automatic escalation procedure for recurring issues, ensuring that they are promptly addressed. This real-time access to data helps in proactively managing risks, ultimately leading to safer environments and more efficient operations.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Dantek’s logbook for Legionella compliance is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It is accessible from any device with an internet connection and is available as a downloadable app for Android. This allows FM managers to keep track of compliance activities anytime, anywhere, offering unparalleled flexibility. This ease of access is particularly beneficial for those managing multiple sites, enabling quick access to crucial information without the need to be on-site. The ability to conduct audits remotely, download reports as Excel files, and store important documents like risk assessments securely online, further adds to the system’s practicality.

Enhanced Document Management and Security

Document management is a critical aspect of compliance, and Dantek’s electronic logbook excels in this area. The logbook allows FM companies to store risk assessments, sample certificates, and other essential documents securely. All data is regularly backed up, ensuring that nothing is lost and providing peace of mind. Additionally, the system’s automated evaluation feature assesses data such as temperature readings and inspection records, generating compliance reports instantly. This not only eliminates manual errors but also speeds up the reporting process.

Contact us today on 01454 417 920 or e mail info@dantek.co.uk and book your free demo https://dantekenvironmental.co.uk/danteks-innovative-electronic-log-book/

Why Consistency Matters

Why Consistency Matters in Legionella Compliance

When it comes to managing Legionella compliance across multiple facilities, consistency is key. At Dantek, we believe that assigning the same technicians, Operations Coordinator, and Salesperson to ongoing contracts offers significant advantages—not just in maintaining compliance, but in enhancing the overall quality of service.

Understanding of Your Sites

One of the main benefits of having the same technician regularly attend to your sites is the development of a deep understanding of your specific requirements. Our technicians become familiar with your facilities, which allows them to identify issues quickly, provide tailored advice, and ensure that compliance measures are implemented. This familiarity reduces the learning curve, leading to more efficient service and fewer disruptions.

Seamless Coordination and Communication

Assigning the same Operations Coordinator and Salespers on to your account ensures a seamless booking process and efficient handling of quotation requests. The Operations Coordinator, who is already familiar with your needs and timelines, can schedule visits and manage tasks without delays or misunderstandings. Similarly, the Salesperson, who understands your facility’s unique requirements, can provide accurate, prompt quotations and follow up on any additional needs you may have. This cohesive approach streamlines the entire process, allowing for a smoother, more predictable service experience.

Building Trust with FM Teams

Consistency also fosters stronger relationships between our technicians, Operations Coordinator, Salesperson, and your on-site teams. Over time, this trust becomes an invaluable asset, particularly in environments where safety and compliance are paramount. Our technicians, all of whom are DBS-checked and carry proper identification, become a reliable extension of your team, ensuring that Legionella management is handled with the utmost care and diligence. Meanwhile, the Operations Coordinator and Salesperson offer consistent points of contact, enhancing communication and ensuring that any concerns or requests are addressed promptly.

Enhanced Compliance and Service Quality

In an industry where compliance can never be compromised, the consistency of service is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. By ensuring that the same group of technicians, along with a dedicated Operations Coordinator and Salesperson, are assigned to your contracts, Dantek delivers a level of service that not only meets but exceeds expectations. This approach is part of our broader commitment to understanding, advising, and working together with FM companies to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.

Additional Benefits

  • This consistent approach also provides added benefits such as:
  • Reduced Administrative Overhead: With a dedicated team in place, there’s less need for re-briefing or additional coordination, freeing up your resources.
  • Faster Response Times: Familiarity with your site and processes enables quicker issue resolution and more proactive management.
  • Improved Cost Efficiency: With fewer disruptions and a more streamlined service, you can expect better cost management and value for your investment.

By assigning the same team to your Legionella compliance, Dantek ensures that your facilities are not only compliant but that the process of maintaining that compliance is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can help with your Legionella compliance needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is ready to assist you with booking processes, quotation requests, and any other inquiries.

L8 Lite Risk Assessments for property portfolios

Enhancing Legionella Compliance with L8 Lite Risk Assessments

Facilities management (FM) companies, maintaining compliance with Legionella control regulations is a critical responsibility. Ensuring the safety of water systems across a portfolio of properties requires meticulous attention, particularly in low-risk environments where a streamlined approach is both practical and cost-effective. This is where Dantek’s L8 Lite Risk Assessment service becomes invaluable.

What is the L8 Lite Risk Assessment?

The L8 Lite Risk Assessment is a specialized service designed by Dantek for FM companies managing multiple small sites, particularly in sectors like retail, hospitality, and public services. This service provides a simplified yet comprehensive evaluation of water systems in properties that are generally considered low-risk for Legionella proliferation.

Key Features of the L8 Lite Risk Assessment:

Asset Register: A detailed electronic asset register of all water-related assets within a property, complete with full-color photographs. This register ensures FM companies have clear visibility on water assets, which is crucial for ongoing management and compliance.

Condition Survey: The assessment evaluates the current condition of the water systems, checking for compliance with relevant standards, including the Water Fittings Regulations 1999 and ACoP L8 guidelines.

Remedial Actions: The L8 Lite includes full recommendations for remedial actions and monitoring tasks, ensuring any potential risks are addressed promptly.

Why Choose the L8 Lite Assessment?

The L8 Lite is not just a risk assessment; it’s a strategic tool for FM companies to manage their compliance obligations effectively.

Here’s why it’s trusted by leading companies across various sectors:

Cost-Effective Compliance: The L8 Lite is a low-cost option, ideal for operators of multiple small sites. It provides the necessary compliance documentation without the expense and detail required for higher-risk properties.

Expertise with a Light Touch: While it is a “lite” version, the assessment is carried out by fully qualified surveyors who is competent in identifying significant risks. This ensures that even the simplified approach does not compromise on safety.

Tailored for Low-Risk Sites: The L8 Lite is specifically designed for environments where the water systems are straightforward, such as those without complex plumbing or significant stored water. This makes it an excellent fit for retail outlets, small offices, and similar properties.

Actionable Insights: Each L8 Lite assessment comes with a written report, including an executive summary of concerns and site-specific recommendations. This enables FM companies to take swift, informed action to maintain compliance.

What You Don’t Get with L8 Lite

It’s important to note that the L8 Lite is a streamlined service, which means it doesn’t include certain elements that might be necessary for more complex or higher-risk sites:

  1. No Schematic Diagrams: For properties where the water system is simple, a detailed schematic is not provided, as it would offer minimal value.
  2. No ALARP Risk Score: The assessment does not include an ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) risk score. If significant risks are identified, a full Legionella Risk Assessment would be recommended.

The L8 Lite service has been successfully deployed across a variety of low-risk sites, including multiple retail chains and Public service outposts.

For FM companies managing varied portfolios, particularly those with numerous low-risk properties, the L8 Lite Risk Assessment offers a practical, cost-effective solution. By partnering with Dantek, FM companies can ensure they meet all necessary compliance standards while focusing resources where they are needed most.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Dantek’s L8 Lite Risk Assessments can support your facilities management strategy, contact us today.

Email: sales@dantek.co.uk

Phone: 01454 417 920

Website: http://www.dantek.co.uk

Water Softeners: Annual Maintenance and Disinfection of Base Exchange

Water softeners play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of hot and cold-water systems, ensuring both efficiency and safety. The HSG 274 guidance document for the control of legionella bacteria emphasizes the significance of regular maintenance and disinfection of base exchange water softeners. In this blog, we delve into the importance of annual servicing, the comprehensive checks conducted, and how these actions contribute to efficient and reliable operation.

Water softener

Why Annual Maintenance Matters

The HSG 274 guidelines provide a robust framework for mitigating the risks linked to legionella bacteria. According to these guidelines, it is recommended that base exchange water softeners receive annual servicing and disinfection. This regular maintenance not only helps in preventing the spread of legionella but also prolongs the lifespan of the softener system, guaranteeing its ongoing effectiveness, all while reducing operational costs through optimal salt and water utilization.

The Annual Softener Service: A Detailed Overview

Many companies still rely on Chlorine, which can damage the resin, reduce its capacity, and ultimately shorten its lifespan. What sets Dantek apart from competitors is our commitment to a comprehensive review of the commissioning settings, cross-referencing them with first principle calculations for factors like salt usage and resin capacity. We also quantitatively measure water hardness, ensuring that each vessel produces water with a hardness level below 5ppm, a more stringent standard compared to others who typically test down to 10 or 20ppm

  • During the annual water softeners service, our specialized water softener team conducts a meticulous inspection and maintenance process, consisting of the following key steps:
  • Resin Bed Disinfection: We disinfect the resin beds in both columns using a resin-safe disinfectant, PAA5. This critical step ensures the elimination of harmful bacteria, enhancing the safety of your water supply.
  • Visual Inspection and Leak Check: Our technicians carefully examine the system for any visible leaks from the valve head and vessels. Identifying and addressing leaks promptly not only prevents water wastage but also helps avoid potential damage
  • Salt Levels and Condition: We check the salt levels and condition to ensure proper regeneration and optimal softening efficiency.
  • Operational Function Tests: Various operational functions, including the backwash function, injector clearance, brine draw, rapid rinse cycle, and brine valve operation, undergo rigorous testing to ensure smooth operation.
  • Brine System Inspection: As part of our Dantek water softener Service, we remove, clean, and inspect components like the brine assembly, venturi valve, brine line flow control, and brine tank foot valve. This thorough inspection is vital to ensure that the softener functions correctly until the next annual service.
  • Water Softness Confirmation: We assess water hardness to verify the softener’s effectiveness in providing consistently softened water.
  • Electrical Control Systems: We review the operation of electrical control systems to ensure seamless automation and control.
  • Control Settings and Fault Identification: Control settings are meticulously recorded and adjusted if necessary. Any system faults are identified and reported to the customer, along with estimated costs for any required repairs.

At Dantek, our annual softener service goes beyond routine maintenance, providing you with the assurance that your water softening system will operate efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively, while safeguarding the quality and safety of your water supply.

Complete Assurance and Report

During the Water softener service visit, our highly skilled technicians diligently record all relevant data and promptly report any instances of non-compliance. This meticulous documentation guarantees that your water softener system operates at peak efficiency, remains cost-effective, and prioritizes safety and reliability. With this approach, you can rest assured that your systems are shielded from the harmful impacts of hard water, ensuring their long-term performance and effectiveness.

Softener Month Special Offer:

For the entirety of June, Dantek is offering an exclusive deal on water softeners for businesses. All new water softener installations come with a 10% discount and a complimentary softener service in June 2025. Seize this opportunity to enhance your business operations and save on costs. Contact us today at 01454 417 920 or email sales@dantek.co.uk quoting “softenermonth” to take advantage of this special offer!

#WaterSoftenerMaintenance #LegionellaControl #AnnualService #BaseExchangeSofteners #WaterSystemEfficiency #HSG274Guidelines #WaterSafety #RoutineMaintenance #SoftWaterSupply #SystemReliability #DantekWaterServices #HealthierWater #WaterQualityMatters

https://dantekenvironmental.co.uk/services/plant-equipment/water-softener/

Understanding and managing legionella risk – Hospitality

Welcome to our new blog series where we delve into the critical topic of Legionella control in the hospitality industry. Over the next quarter, we’ll be focusing on how Dantek caters to privately owned hotels, restaurants, and nationwide chains, ensuring peace of mind and offering practical advice for effective Legionella risk management.

At Dantek, we specialize in water hygiene and water treatment services, serving a wide range of organizations across Bristol, the South West, South Wales, and the Midlands. With a keen emphasis on prevention and control of Legionnaires’ disease, we begin our journey with you by conducting a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment, ensuring compliance with ACoP L8 and HSG274 standards.

As proud full members of the Legionella Control Association since 2007, our commitment to preventing and controlling Legionnaires’ disease is unwavering. With our innovative cloud-based electronic logbook, you’ll have real-time visibility of monitoring contracts, allowing you to stay informed day or night.

Established in 2000 by Dan Collins and Amy Richardson, we boast a team of dedicated professionals with extensive experience in water hygiene. Our field-based technicians, risk assessors, and engineers are fully trained and equipped to handle the complexities of Legionella risk management in the hospitality sector.

Understanding the unique challenges faced by hotels, bars, and restaurants, we’re here to provide practical insights into handling Legionella risk effectively. From appointing responsible persons to implementing control measures and maintaining meticulous records, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

Whether you operate a large establishment with complex water systems or a smaller venue with mains-fed setups, our Legionella risk assessments are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards while addressing the nuances of your business.

As we start to explore Legionella control in the hospitality industry, it’s essential to understand the fundamental aspects of managing Legionella risk effectively. Let’s start by addressing some key points:

Who Handles Legionella Risk? Appointing competent individuals or teams, known as responsible persons, is imperative. Their role involves understanding water systems, identifying risks, and ensuring the safety of everyone on-site.

What to Look for in a Risk Assessment? During risk assessments, consider factors such as stagnant water, optimal temperatures for bacterial growth, conducive conditions like rust or sludge, and potential aerosolization of water droplets.

How to Assess the Risk Practically? Conducting thorough checks of water systems is essential. This includes clarifying responsibilities, ensuring personnel competency, having clear system diagrams, identifying risks, determining control measures, scheduling monitoring and maintenance, and establishing review timelines.

Control Measures Implementing various measures such as controlling water sprays, maintaining water flow to prevent stagnation, utilizing materials resistant to bacterial growth, water treatment, and regular temperature monitoring are vital steps in mitigating Legionella risk.

Keeping Records Maintaining meticulous records is crucial for managing Legionella risk effectively. Record-keeping should encompass activities, findings of risk assessments, action plans, water system conditions, and test results.

Whether your establishment is equipped with large plant items like calorifiers and tanks or operates without them, we offer comprehensive Legionella risk assessments tailored to your specific needs. Our surveys address the unique requirements of establishments of all sizes, ensuring thorough analysis and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Our assessments are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including the Health and Safety Executive’s Legionella approved code of practice and guidance document ACoP L8 & HSG274.

Dantek’s Legionella risk assessment encompasses various critical components, including a full asset register, detailed system schematics, photographic documentation, and comprehensive recommendations for remedial and monitoring tasks. Our assessments are fully compliant with BS8580 standards, providing you with a thorough understanding of your water system’s risk profile and necessary actions for compliance.

Our team can also assist with the development and implementation of a Written Scheme of Control, essential for maintaining safe water systems on-site. Please refer to appendix 2.2, page 55, of the HSG274 part 2 for a summary of the requirements of a written scheme: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf

Additionally, we provide a Lite version of the Legionella risk assessment designed specifically for sites in the hospitality sector that do not have significant plant items. This streamlined assessment process is particularly valuable for locations with mains-fed systems, offering efficient compliance with regulatory standards while acknowledging the unique characteristics of every business.

For personalized assistance and expert guidance in Legionella risk management, contact Dantek at 01454 417 920 or email us at sales@dantek.co.uk.

Legionella Risk Management During School Holidays

Educational settings, from schools to universities, are tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of their students and staff year-round. One aspect of safety is Legionella risk management. The threat of Legionella bacteria proliferating in water systems during periods of reduced activity, such as end-of-term holidays, is a matter of concern. In this blog, we will explore Legionella risk management in educational settings, considering both inherent and operational factors, as well as preventive strategies during periods of low usage.

Understanding Legionella Risk

Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in warm, stagnant water. While the original design and setup of water systems in educational settings may incorporate industry best practices, during holiday breaks, many parts of the school, college or university may remain inactive, elevating the operational risk of Legionella contamination.

Effective Legionella Risk Management

Prevent Stagnation: To prevent stagnation, water systems must ensure sufficient water turnover, particularly in areas with low usage. Stagnant water between 20-45°C creates ideal conditions for Legionella growth. Therefore, maintaining adequate temperature differentials is crucial.

Temperature Control: Cold water outlets should consistently be below 20°C, while hot water should be stored above 60°C or no less than 50°C at the outlet. This range helps inhibit bacterial growth.

HSG274 Guidelines: Educational institutions should refer to HSG274 Part 2, Paragraph 2.50 when creating risk mitigation strategies. This guidance is particularly relevant for buildings with intermittent or low usage, offering practical advice on managing them effectively. For detailed information, you can access the document via the following link: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf

Flushing Protocol: Throughout school holidays, when students and staff are away, and natural water circulation isn’t maintained within educational facilities, it is crucial to implement a flushing protocol during periods of reduced usage. This practice is essential for safe water management and to prevent stagnation. Outlets are now considered infrequently used and should be flushed at a minimum of once a week. However, the optimal flushing frequency may vary depending on the risk assessment for your specific school. Your flushing schedule might need to be as frequent as daily, especially if you have encountered Legionella issues in your school, college, or university. In such cases, we recommend consulting your contractor or contacting us at Dantek, where we can provide expert guidance and assistance.

Legionella Risk Assessment: Carrying out a thorough Legionella risk assessment is a crucial step in proactive Legionella management for educational settings. This assessment acts as a practical tool to pinpoint potential risks and assess how well the current control measures are working. It’s like a roadmap that helps schools, colleges, and universities customize their Legionella prevention strategies to fit their specific situation.

System Maintenance: Systems left unused for extended periods should undergo thorough flushing, cleaning, and disinfection according to British Standards before being recommissioned. This maintenance is essential to prevent potential issues associated with long periods of disuse.

Legionella risk management is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff in educational settings. Proper water system management, temperature control, and adherence to industry guidelines are essential components of a comprehensive Legionella risk management plan. By implementing these strategies, educational settings can reduce the risk of Legionella contamination and create a safe learning and working environments for all, especially during extended breaks when water systems are at their most vulnerable.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team on 01454 417 920 or e-mail sales@dantek.co.uk.

Legionella Risk Assessment and Written Scheme Of Control

Legionella Risk Assessment and Written Scheme Of Control: As an educational institution, the safety and well-being of your students and staff are paramount. We understand the importance of ensuring a safe environment for learning and growth, and one significant aspect of this safety is guarding against Legionella susceptibility.

Understanding Legionellosis

Legionellosis is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Legionella bacteria. Though precise figures for 2021 and 2022 are unavailable, the impact of COVID-19 distorted 2020 statistics, with 295 reported cases in the first ten months. The threat of Legionnaires’ disease is real and necessitates concrete action.

Assessing Susceptibility

An integral part of a Legionella Risk Assessment is evaluating the susceptibility of your institution’s population, which should be periodically reviewed. Factors influencing susceptibility include gender, age, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and underlying medical conditions such as cancer or organ transplants.

While we have little control over preventing Legionella from entering our water systems, contamination from minute traces in mains water and airborne droplets is virtually inevitable. From a risk analysis perspective, it’s essential to anticipate encountering Legionella at some point in your systems’ life cycle.

Key Risk Factors

  • Water temperature between 20–45 °C
  • Stored, stagnant, or re-circulated water
  • Presence of nutrients like sludge, scale, organic materials, and rust
  • Water fittings made of specific materials
  • Potential for aerosol generation
  • Number and susceptibility of your institution’s population
  • Management’s ability to control risk

Steps Involved in a Legionella Risk Assessment: Identification of Potential Hazards:

Legionella Risk assessments involve identifying potential sources of Legionella, such as water storage tanks, showers, Calorifiers, infrequently used outlets and cooling towers plus much more. This step helps create an inventory of potential hazards within your educational setting.

Evaluating Risk Factors:

Once potential hazards are identified, assessing the risk factors associated with each source of Legionella helps prioritize control measures. Factors like water temperature, how often the water is used, stagnation, and the presence of biofilms are considered during this evaluation.

Developing Control Measures:

Based on the risk assessment findings, tailored control measures can be developed. These may include regular monitoring and maintenance of water systems, implementing water treatment strategies, and ensuring appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices.

Monitoring and Reviewing:

Legionella Risk Assessments should be an ongoing process. Regular monitoring and review of control measures help ensure their effectiveness over time and enable timely adjustments if needed.

Once your educational setting has commenced the Legionella Risk Assessment process, it will be categorized on a scale, ranging from Low Risk to High Risk.

Risk Score

  • Low Risk
  • Low / Medium
  • Medium Risk
  • Medium / High
  • High Risk

The actual level of risk your setting faces from Legionella is denoted by its current risk score. It’s crucial to pay attention to the “action to be taken” to mitigate specific risks and evaluate the realistic score following remedial actions.

While completely eliminating Legionella from your educational setting may be an unattainable goal, you can effectively manage and control the risk, ensuring the safety of your staff and students.

All risk assessments are regarded as “working documents,” and as per current guidelines, a risk assessment must be carried out whenever the Approved Code of Practice L8 and guidance applies.

Understanding the Reassessment Process

What does this mean in practice? The front page of the Legionella Risk Assessment contains a resurvey date, initially determined by the risk assessor based on site-specific findings, resulting in a simple risk score categorized as high, medium, or low. Your resurvey date can range from 6 months to 5 years.

But it doesn’t stop there. Even if your Legionella Risk Assessment specifies a resurvey date 24 months from now, this may not be the final word. Simple amendments to the working document or significant changes within your setting can necessitate a new assessment.

For instance, if your school decides to convert the English block into an additional shower block for the expanding sports hall, a new assessment becomes essential. This is classified as “A change to any of the assessed water systems or its use.”

One of the primary challenges educational establishments face is understanding when and how to update their Legionella risk assessments. All risk assessments are considered “working documents” and must align with the Approved Code of Practice L8 and associated guidance. What this essentially means is that your Legionella Risk Assessment should be continually evolving to reflect the current state of your water systems.

  • Resurvey Dates Matter: The resurvey date on your Legionella Risk Assessment is initially determined by the risk assessor, based on site-specific findings. This date can range from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the assessed risk.
  • Changes Trigger Updates: Any significant changes to water systems, their use, or key personnel require a new assessment. For example, if your school decides to convert a math block into an additional shower block, this change necessitates a new assessment.
  • Monitoring and Reviews: Regular monitoring is crucial. If your control regime indicates problems like inadequate water temperature or changes in key personnel, a review becomes necessary.
  • Constant Vigilance: Always remember that a Legionella Risk Assessment is a live document, requiring regular attention and updates.
  • After 3 months, if calorifier 1 in the DT block fails to reach the required 60°C, and outlet temperatures fall within the primary growth range, a review is required.
  • Even a minor staff change, such as a shift in the statutory duty holder or site responsibilities, mandates a review.

Always keep in mind that the Legionella Risk Assessment is a dynamic “working document” and must consistently reflect your school, college or universities current status.

Top Tips
  1. Keep hot water hot.
  2. Keep cold water cold.
  3. Keep the water moving.
  4. Keep it clean.

Consider special measures during academic breaks, such as half-term and summer holidays, to prevent water stagnation that promotes Legionella growth. Develop plans for regular flushing of outlets that go unused during these periods.

Additional Resources: For further information, consult these valuable resources:

  1. Approved Code of Practice https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l8.htm
  2. HSE Website – Legal Updates & Outbreaks https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/
  3. HSG274 Technical Guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg274.htm
  4. Dantek – Advice, Services, and Training https://dantekenvironmental.co.uk/

What Our Legionella Risk Assessment Includes

  • Full Asset Register: We meticulously document all relevant assets, including taps, sentinel points, TMV valves, Expansion vessels, Calorifiers, and more. This asset register can be easily exported to an excel file and integrated into our electronic logbook system.
  • System Schematics: Our AutoCAD drawings provide detailed system schematics, highlighting key plant items, valves, loops, and outlet locations. Sentinel outlets are marked for easy identification.
  • Visual Documentation: We include full-colour photographs of assets to enhance understanding.
  • Condition Survey: Our assessment evaluates the current condition of systems, ensuring they adhere to hygienic standards set by the Water Fittings Regulations 1999.
  • Recommendations and Remedial Works: We provide comprehensive recommendations for remedial and monitoring tasks, complete with a risk score comparison before and after implementing these recommendations.
  • Schedule of Remedial Works: A detailed schedule, including pictures, simplifies the delegation of tasks to teams or external contractors.
  • Audit of Existing Records: We assess your existing records systems to ensure compliance with ACoP L8.
  • Guaranteed Compliance: Rest assured, all Dantek Legionella Risk Assessments are fully compliant with both the ACoP L8 and BS8580.

 Written Scheme of Control

When it comes to ensuring the safety of water systems within educational establishments, the Legionella Risk Assessment is just the beginning. One critical component that often arises during assessments is the need for a Written Scheme of Control. This document plays a pivotal role in preventing the growth and proliferation of Legionella bacteria, and Dantek is here to guide you through its creation.

Why a Written Scheme of Control?

A Written Scheme of Control is your roadmap to maintaining water systems that are free from Legionella contamination. During a Legionella Risk Assessment, our assessors may identify that such a scheme is absent. In such cases, it becomes the responsibility of the statutory duty holder and the responsible person to act swiftly.

Tailored to Your System

A well-crafted Written Scheme of Control should be tailored to the specific water systems covered by the Legionella Risk Assessment. It provides a clear framework for managing Legionella risks and outlines the roles and responsibilities of key management personnel and any chosen water hygiene contractors.

What Does It Include?

  1. Here’s what you can expect from a robust Written Scheme of Control:
  2. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defined roles for key personnel, ensuring everyone knows their part in Legionella risk management.
  3. Shutdown and Commissioning Procedures: Detailed instructions for safe shutdown and commissioning of water systems.
  4. Response to Faults and Emergencies: A plan outlining how your organization intends to respond in the event of faults or emergencies related to water systems.

Dantek’s Solution

We understand that creating a Written Scheme of Control can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we offer an optional extra to simplify the process. Our initial custom Written Scheme of Control template is a live document that provides easy-to-follow steps for managing Legionella risks on a site-specific basis.

Your Input Matters

While our template serves as a valuable starting point, it’s essential to emphasize that it may not be considered suitable or sufficient by enforcing authorities without your organization’s input and ownership. The document should reflect how your organization operates and manage the control scheme for Legionella risk.

Your Responsibility

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the statutory duty holder and the responsible person to review the information in the document. You have the power to add or revise text to ensure it aligns accurately with your practices.

For a detailed overview of the requirements of a Written Scheme of Control, please refer to Appendix 2.2, page 55, of the HSG274 Part 2.

Dantek is committed to ensuring the safety of your educational establishment by not only conducting thorough Legionella Risk Assessments but also guiding you through the creation of a robust Written Scheme of Control.

With this comprehensive knowledge and the collaboration of Legionella experts, you can ensure your educational institution remains a safe place for learning and growth.

Our Expert Team is Here to Support You

Contact Us Now!

📞 Phone: 01454 417 920

📧 Email: sales@dantek.co.uk

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