Whether you have a duty of care for bustling offices windowing down for the break or quieter university halls, maintaining water systems during the festive season is essential. Neglecting maintenance and monitoring could lead to unwelcome surprises when everyone returns in 2024.
In this blog, the H2O Hygiene team share their top tips to ensure your spaces remain safe and ready for a fresh start in the New Year.
Over the festive period, it’s crucial not to overlook water hygiene. Here are our top tips to keep your water systems in check:
Remember this mantra for the season: keep systems flushed. Even if it’s an unoccupied room or an office on hiatus, stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria like legionella. A couple of weeks is enough for this unwelcome guest to take hold. Flushing prevents stagnation and potential bacterial growth.
If flushing hasn’t been possible during the festive break, conducting a legionella risk assessment upon your return is a wise move. It’s the best defense against Legionnaire’s disease making an unwanted appearance in the New Year. Legionella doesn’t stop for Santa!
Refer to HSG274 guidelines – if your water system has been left inactive for two weeks or more, it might be time for disinfection. This not only ensures safety but also peace of mind.
Your site team should be well-informed about any areas or outlets left dormant during the holidays. By law, these unused outlets need flushing at least once a week to prevent potential health risks.
The responsibility for water hygiene lies with the designated responsible person or duty holder. Extra resources may be needed during downtime to ensure taps are flushed and temperatures are monitored, ensuring stability in the system.
Remember, every outlet that isn’t in use needs attention. Neglecting even one can lead to system-wide issues. That’s why it’s crucial to flush and maintain each outlet diligently.
With external temperatures dropping, it’s easy to assume bacterial growth won’t occur. However, water temperature can foster growth regardless of external conditions. Being prepared for the return to work or school is important – consider sampling to ensure a healthy and safe water system for everyone in the New Year.
At H2O Hygiene, we understand that at Christmas, the last thing on your mind is keeping up your water system maintenance.
However, no matter what your building is used for, water systems need care to prevent the spread of bacteria.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure a healthy start to the New Year for all.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Hygienic New Year! We’ll see you in 2024!
For more information about our water hygiene services or to arrange for Legionella testing in your building, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our water risk assessment team.
