Trio of ‘experts’ focuses on key safety issues

The holistic management of water systems should be instrumental in driving cultural, technical, and organisational challenges and changes – but has it gone far enough?, wonders Authorising Engineer (Water) and Eastwood Park trainer, Mike Quest. He says: “The 2016 revision of HTM 04-01 and its regional derivatives in Wales and Scotland cemented the concept of Water Safety Groups and Water Safety Plans originally introduced in the 2013 addendum, with the revised Part B including updated guidance on their remit and aims. The introduction of ‘holistic management’ of water systems, and a shift away from Legionella and scalding as the primary risks, have significantly changed the way that healthcare organisations govern water safety, bringing with it cultural, technical and organisational challenges. But what are some of the key impacts of these changes from the perspective of an Authorising Engineer (Water), and what is new? The biggest change is cultural – while in the past estates operations were central to water risk management, and were perceived to be able to offer a solution to all problems – especially in the control of Legionella, over time, evidence has shown us that those who design and use the water systems have an equally significant part to play. Their attendance at Water Safety Group meetings, and an understanding of their role in holistic management of the risks, have thus become essential. 

Investment pays dividends

“Over recent years,” Mike Quest continues, “many healthcare organisations have invested widely in the application of good water hygiene practices in the built environment. High standard Legionella risk assessments, and the development of far more accurate schematics or ‘as-built’ drawings, have helped to identify problems and improve water distribution via engineering intervention, resulting in better temperature and biocide control.