BS 8680:2020 and Water Safety Planning
In this article the water safety specialists at Water Treatment Services review guidance published by the British Standards Institute in BS 8680:2020 dealing with water safety planning.
In this article the water safety specialists at Water Treatment Services review guidance published by the British Standards Institute in BS 8680:2020 dealing with water safety planning.
The use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves or TMVs is now recognised as an essential tool, helping to protect young children and vulnerable adults from serious injury caused by scalding hot water. While such plumbing valves can offer significant protection to their users, they can also create some serious water safety issues if they are not serviced and maintained correctly. In this guide our water safety specialists explain what a TMV is, where they are fitted and how they work. The guide then looks at UK Building Regulations, safety laws and guidance; and how the additional risks from waterborne pathogens such as Legionella bacteria can be managed through effective maintenance and servicing.
Cost effective solutions for defective and leaking tanks.
Water Treatment Services is a leading UK water and environmental engineering specialist offering expert water tank relining, specialist coatings and refurbishment solutions for the repair of defective and leaking water storage tanks, cooling towers, containment bunds and other liquid retaining structures.
Our expert tank lining and repair solutions use a technically advanced, high performance polyurethane coating system that will quickly breathe new life in to failing and dilapidated tanks and similar liquid storgae vessels with the minimum of disruption.
Our specialist solvent free coatings offer exceptional durability, they are WRAS approved for potable water, and are suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel. We are so confident in the long lasting performance of our tank coating system that we guarantee it for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
Our specialist water tank lining, protective coating and repair solutions offer a number of important benefits including:
Lining can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing or leaking water tank. It also means that the life of existing retaining structures can be extended significantly.
Whilst our lining system is typically used for tanks containing water, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Repair and reline works are carried out by experienced specialists allowing projects to be completed quickly and efficiently to reduce business disruption.
Where necessary we can provide a temporary water supply during the course of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system will prevent further corrosion and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless coating system cures to form a smooth, tough finish to provide long term protection against microbial colonisation of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough but flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement.
Fast curing protective coating forms an incredibly tough, durable finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank relining and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank repair and refurbishment solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Businesses of all sizes, across all industry sectors use and maintain water tanks for storage purposes. These tanks are as diverse in type and size as the business that own and operate them. It’s essential for safety and efficient running of the business that these tanks are well-maintained and adhere to current legislation covering the water regulations and health and safety matters. However on the ball your maintenance teams are with your water treatment controls, there is no getting away from the fact that over time your water tanks might spring a leak or start to rust and begin to cause you serious operational issues. So the question is… do you replace your leaking water tank or opt for a repair and reline solution?
If you use any of the various types of water tank in your buildings or as part of your processes and have started to notice leaks, staining or corrosion then you may have a problem that needs investigation to prevent further deterioration, water damage, microbial contamination and even disruption to your business operations.
Fortunately there’s no need to replace failing tanks. This is often the last resort option, and can be exceptionally costly. Repairing or relining, as the name suggests involves reusing your existing tank and simply applying a new, robust internal lining system formed using a high performance polyurethane coating that will last for many years to come.
Relining is typically used for tanks containing water, but is also suitable for many other liquid storage vessels. The types of tanks suitable for our protective coatings are diverse and include fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, sectional water tanks, process tanks, liquor tanks, containment bunds, potable water tanks, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Our specialist relining process is suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel.
Tanks which have begun to fail suffer from corrosion, deteriorating joints and seals. They may also develop microscopic surface pits, cracks and fissures to their internal surfaces allowing bacteria (Legionella, Pseudomonas) and biofilm to colonise the water system. This colonisation can have a significant impact on water quality, system performance and safety.
If you have procedures in place to monitor and test the water flowing through your systems, the first indications that your tanks may have developed issues could be evident in the testing results. Bacterial counts may have started to rise, or you may get persistent Legionella positives. You might also start to spot pools of water below or adjacent to the tanks, surface staining or there may be sediment building up on the bottom of the tanks.
Less obvious indications are signs of corrosion on bolts or other metal components of your tank, biofilm (slime) may also be evident inside the joints and on internal surfaces of the tank. Any of these signs can indicate that your tank is past its best and it is time to think about either replacing it, or having it professionally relined.
Remember – If you delay over the decision about any tank reline and repair works, it might get to the stage where relining is no longer an option and you have to replace the whole thing. Is this happens Water Treatment Services offer a full tank replacement service and our specialists will review all options with you to identify the most appropriate, cost effective solution.
There are several advantages in repairing and lining an existing water tank with our high performance polyurethane coating system, and they include:
Cost is the obvious main advantage, as a tank relining solution can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing tank, buying a replacement, installation and recommissioning back in to service.
Our specialist tank lining system is typically used for water storage tanks, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks, storage vessels, process tanks, liquor tanks, interceptors, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
It’s also safer and quicker too, with relining works being carried out by our experienced specialists, works can be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing down-time and business disruption to a minimum.
Where required we can provide a temporary water supply for the duration of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system provides long term protection against further corrosion and sediment issues, and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless tank reline system cures to form a smooth, incredibly tough finish that will help to combat microbial colonisation and contamination of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Our specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough, flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement to guard against settlement and expansion cracking.
Fast curing to form an incredibly tough, robust finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our polyurethane coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind. This is more than the typical guarantee when you buy a brand-new tank.
Depending on the size of the water tanks being refurbished and relined, the entire process can safely be completed surprisingly quickly. Certainly much quicker than if they were to be removed and replaced with new tanks.
After all site inspections and safety risk assessments have been completed the first stage of the process is to drain the water from the tank and inspect the structural integrity and condition of the interior surfaces, components, joints etc.
The relining process works best when there is a clean, stable, dust free substrate for the new polyurethane lining to adhere to. If the interior of the tank is in particularly poor condition, blasting may be carried out on a steel tank, or the surface of a concrete tank may be etched to provide a better key for the new tank lining.
Once the substrate preparations are complete the high performance, polyurethane coating system is then applied to the interior of the tank surfaces and allowed to cure. Our specialists will use a high-pressure spray to apply multiple layers of our coating system to the inside surfaces of the tank, leaving it to cure and then repeating the process as required until a suitable membrane finish is achieved.
For smaller tanks, the polyurethane coating may be carefully painted on rather than sprayed. Once the new lining has achieved a full cure, the tank is thoroughly inspected and then refilled.
The experts at Water Treatment Services use a high performance, solvent free polyurethane coating system that has been developed specifically for the repair and refurbishment of failing and leaking water tanks, cooling towers, fire sprinkler tanks and other liquid storage vessels.
Our high performance polyurethane coating systems offer a number of market leading benefits including:
In the UK one of the primary health and safety responsibilities businesses using water have is to guard against the risks from Legionella bacteria. It is a legal requirement underpinned by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Legionella is a bacteria which thrives in engineered water systems, especially in water storage tanks and pipework which are poorly maintained or have begun to corrode.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia which can prove fatal in vulnerable groups. Companies which use and operate water storage tanks, cooling towers and other types of water system have a legal obligation under UK health and safety law to protect their staff and others from the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. The Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and their safety guidance HSG274 are essential reading for business owners and operators.
To comply with the law businesses must carry out a legionella risk assessment, they must appoint someone to be responsible for controlling the risks, monitoring water quality, and taking steps to resolve problems as soon as they are made aware of them. A water tank which is poorly maintained, has started to corrode, has significant surface imperfections or is leaking is the ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens. Taking steps to have it relined isn’t just a cost-saving exercise for your business, it’s a legal requirement too.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our specialist water storage tank repair and relining solutions.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank coating and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank relining and repair solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
For more information about the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) … here →
In this article the water safety specialists at Water Treatment Services review guidance published by the British Standards Institute in BS 8680:2020 dealing with water safety planning.
The use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves or TMVs is now recognised as an essential tool, helping to protect young children and vulnerable adults from serious injury caused by scalding hot water. While such plumbing valves can offer significant protection to their users, they can also create some serious water safety issues if they are not serviced and maintained correctly. In this guide our water safety specialists explain what a TMV is, where they are fitted and how they work. The guide then looks at UK Building Regulations, safety laws and guidance; and how the additional risks from waterborne pathogens such as Legionella bacteria can be managed through effective maintenance and servicing.
Cost effective solutions for defective and leaking tanks.
Water Treatment Services is a leading UK water and environmental engineering specialist offering expert water tank relining, specialist coatings and refurbishment solutions for the repair of defective and leaking water storage tanks, cooling towers, containment bunds and other liquid retaining structures.
Our expert tank lining and repair solutions use a technically advanced, high performance polyurethane coating system that will quickly breathe new life in to failing and dilapidated tanks and similar liquid storgae vessels with the minimum of disruption.
Our specialist solvent free coatings offer exceptional durability, they are WRAS approved for potable water, and are suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel. We are so confident in the long lasting performance of our tank coating system that we guarantee it for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
Our specialist water tank lining, protective coating and repair solutions offer a number of important benefits including:
Lining can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing or leaking water tank. It also means that the life of existing retaining structures can be extended significantly.
Whilst our lining system is typically used for tanks containing water, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Repair and reline works are carried out by experienced specialists allowing projects to be completed quickly and efficiently to reduce business disruption.
Where necessary we can provide a temporary water supply during the course of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system will prevent further corrosion and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless coating system cures to form a smooth, tough finish to provide long term protection against microbial colonisation of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough but flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement.
Fast curing protective coating forms an incredibly tough, durable finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank relining and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank repair and refurbishment solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Businesses of all sizes, across all industry sectors use and maintain water tanks for storage purposes. These tanks are as diverse in type and size as the business that own and operate them. It’s essential for safety and efficient running of the business that these tanks are well-maintained and adhere to current legislation covering the water regulations and health and safety matters. However on the ball your maintenance teams are with your water treatment controls, there is no getting away from the fact that over time your water tanks might spring a leak or start to rust and begin to cause you serious operational issues. So the question is… do you replace your leaking water tank or opt for a repair and reline solution?
If you use any of the various types of water tank in your buildings or as part of your processes and have started to notice leaks, staining or corrosion then you may have a problem that needs investigation to prevent further deterioration, water damage, microbial contamination and even disruption to your business operations.
Fortunately there’s no need to replace failing tanks. This is often the last resort option, and can be exceptionally costly. Repairing or relining, as the name suggests involves reusing your existing tank and simply applying a new, robust internal lining system formed using a high performance polyurethane coating that will last for many years to come.
Relining is typically used for tanks containing water, but is also suitable for many other liquid storage vessels. The types of tanks suitable for our protective coatings are diverse and include fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, sectional water tanks, process tanks, liquor tanks, containment bunds, potable water tanks, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Our specialist relining process is suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel.
Tanks which have begun to fail suffer from corrosion, deteriorating joints and seals. They may also develop microscopic surface pits, cracks and fissures to their internal surfaces allowing bacteria (Legionella, Pseudomonas) and biofilm to colonise the water system. This colonisation can have a significant impact on water quality, system performance and safety.
If you have procedures in place to monitor and test the water flowing through your systems, the first indications that your tanks may have developed issues could be evident in the testing results. Bacterial counts may have started to rise, or you may get persistent Legionella positives. You might also start to spot pools of water below or adjacent to the tanks, surface staining or there may be sediment building up on the bottom of the tanks.
Less obvious indications are signs of corrosion on bolts or other metal components of your tank, biofilm (slime) may also be evident inside the joints and on internal surfaces of the tank. Any of these signs can indicate that your tank is past its best and it is time to think about either replacing it, or having it professionally relined.
Remember – If you delay over the decision about any tank reline and repair works, it might get to the stage where relining is no longer an option and you have to replace the whole thing. Is this happens Water Treatment Services offer a full tank replacement service and our specialists will review all options with you to identify the most appropriate, cost effective solution.
There are several advantages in repairing and lining an existing water tank with our high performance polyurethane coating system, and they include:
Cost is the obvious main advantage, as a tank relining solution can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing tank, buying a replacement, installation and recommissioning back in to service.
Our specialist tank lining system is typically used for water storage tanks, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks, storage vessels, process tanks, liquor tanks, interceptors, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
It’s also safer and quicker too, with relining works being carried out by our experienced specialists, works can be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing down-time and business disruption to a minimum.
Where required we can provide a temporary water supply for the duration of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system provides long term protection against further corrosion and sediment issues, and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless tank reline system cures to form a smooth, incredibly tough finish that will help to combat microbial colonisation and contamination of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Our specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough, flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement to guard against settlement and expansion cracking.
Fast curing to form an incredibly tough, robust finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our polyurethane coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind. This is more than the typical guarantee when you buy a brand-new tank.
Depending on the size of the water tanks being refurbished and relined, the entire process can safely be completed surprisingly quickly. Certainly much quicker than if they were to be removed and replaced with new tanks.
After all site inspections and safety risk assessments have been completed the first stage of the process is to drain the water from the tank and inspect the structural integrity and condition of the interior surfaces, components, joints etc.
The relining process works best when there is a clean, stable, dust free substrate for the new polyurethane lining to adhere to. If the interior of the tank is in particularly poor condition, blasting may be carried out on a steel tank, or the surface of a concrete tank may be etched to provide a better key for the new tank lining.
Once the substrate preparations are complete the high performance, polyurethane coating system is then applied to the interior of the tank surfaces and allowed to cure. Our specialists will use a high-pressure spray to apply multiple layers of our coating system to the inside surfaces of the tank, leaving it to cure and then repeating the process as required until a suitable membrane finish is achieved.
For smaller tanks, the polyurethane coating may be carefully painted on rather than sprayed. Once the new lining has achieved a full cure, the tank is thoroughly inspected and then refilled.
The experts at Water Treatment Services use a high performance, solvent free polyurethane coating system that has been developed specifically for the repair and refurbishment of failing and leaking water tanks, cooling towers, fire sprinkler tanks and other liquid storage vessels.
Our high performance polyurethane coating systems offer a number of market leading benefits including:
In the UK one of the primary health and safety responsibilities businesses using water have is to guard against the risks from Legionella bacteria. It is a legal requirement underpinned by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Legionella is a bacteria which thrives in engineered water systems, especially in water storage tanks and pipework which are poorly maintained or have begun to corrode.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia which can prove fatal in vulnerable groups. Companies which use and operate water storage tanks, cooling towers and other types of water system have a legal obligation under UK health and safety law to protect their staff and others from the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. The Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and their safety guidance HSG274 are essential reading for business owners and operators.
To comply with the law businesses must carry out a legionella risk assessment, they must appoint someone to be responsible for controlling the risks, monitoring water quality, and taking steps to resolve problems as soon as they are made aware of them. A water tank which is poorly maintained, has started to corrode, has significant surface imperfections or is leaking is the ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens. Taking steps to have it relined isn’t just a cost-saving exercise for your business, it’s a legal requirement too.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our specialist water storage tank repair and relining solutions.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank coating and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank relining and repair solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
For more information about the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) … here →
The Health & Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 – “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems” provides guidelines for those with responsibility for the control of legionella in water systems. This includes dutyholders, employers, those in control of premises including landlords, employers and those with health and safety responsibilities for others. If that describes you, or if you are involved with the control of legionella at your place of work then get up to speed by downloading your complimentary copy of the HSE’s ACOP L8 now – simply use the download button below.
Expert TMV servicing, maintenance and failsafe testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water treatment and environmental services company offering a comprehensive range of expert water treatment, legionella control, health and safety compliance and engineering support solutions including the maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), TMV servicing, temperature monitoring and failsafe testing in health and social care facilities including hospitals, care homes and other premises where the risk of scalding from hot water requires the installation and regular maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves.
Our specialist water hygiene, legionella control, health and safety compliance and engineering support capabilities allow us to offer a range of expert services including the installation and replacement of thermostatic mixing valves, TMV servicing (including valve and fine mesh strainer cleaning, descaling and disinfection), temperature monitoring and failsafe testing to ensure good water quality standards, safe water temperatures and health and safety standards are achieved and maintained.
Our TMV servicing solutions are delivered by experienced, in-field water treatment and engineering experts who combine the latest testing equipment, high performance disinfectants and engineering components to ensure TMVs are maintained, serviced and tested regularly to ensure their correct operation.
Our professional thermostatic mixing valve maintenance, TMV servicing, temperature monitoring and safety testing services deliver several important benefits to our customers including:
Ensure safe, accurate and reliable temperature control is achieved and maintained at water outlets (showers, baths and taps) in accordance with set health and safety standards.
Maintain appropriate water quality standards and flow rates with regular cleaning, descaling and disinfection of thermostatic mixing valve components, fine mesh strainers, etc.
Ensure TMV failsafe mechanisms operate correctly to protect users in the event of water supply failure.
Review all installed TMVs to ensure correct specification valves are installed in locations as required.
All thermostatic mixing valve inspections, maintenance and TMV servicing details are recorded and maintained.
Within hospitals, healthcare, social care and similar settings the primary means of controlling the growth and proliferation of Legionella bacteria in hot water systems is by thermal control, which involves using elevated water temperatures. Current guidance set by the Department of Health in their “Health technical memorandum HTM 04-01: Safe water in healthcare premises” states that hot water should be stored at a minimum of 60°C and dispensed at a minimum of 55°C.
If hot water used for showering or bathing is above 44 °C then there is a significant risk of serious injury or even fatality, especially where large areas of the body are exposed to high temperatures. Such elevated water temperatures therefore need to be carefully controlled and managed, especially where those at higher risk of scalding injury are exposed.
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a specially designed plumbing valve that carefully mixes hot and cold water to control hot water outlet temperatures to safe levels. TMVs are used in health and social care environments to protect people by reducing the risk of scalding from very hot water from showers, baths and wash hand basins.
TMVs are precision mechanical valves that are designed to regulate and maintain water temperatures to safe levels even when water pressures or flow rates fluctuate.
How do they work? As hot and cold water enters the mixing valve it is carefully blended using an internal thermal element to output a mixed water stream at a pre-set temperature that is typically between 39°C and 43°C. This is the recommended temperature range for hot water outlets where a TMV is installed.
TMVs also incorporate an essential failsafe mechanism that will automatically shut down the valve if either the cold water or hot water supplies fail. This ensures that people are protected from dangerously high hot water temperatures (interrupted cold water supply), and thermal shock from cold water (interrupted hot water supply).
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk from scalding from hot water with accident statistics showing that nearly 600 people suffered serious scald injuries in the UK each year. 75% of the victims of severe scalds were children under five years of age. Additionally, the figures also show that older people are at particular risk with those over the age of 65 accounting for almost two thirds of all fatalities in the UK.
RoSPA have campaigned long and hard for the introduction of TMVs in the wider community. Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive said:
“Young children and older people are most at risk from bath water scalds because their skin is thinner and therefore less able to withstand higher water temperatures than other age groups. Because of this, they can suffer a scald more quickly, at lower water temperatures, and often the burn is much deeper”.
Additionally, people with a reduced capacity, mobility or temperature sensitivity, together with those who cannot react appropriately, or quickly enough to prevent injury are also at greater risk. The installation and regular maintenance of TMVs helps to protect such vulnerable groups from scalding.
All hospitals, healthcare, social care and similar properties that fall under the Care Standards Act 2000 should be fitted with thermostatic mixing valves that meet the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 and NHS Estates – TMV manufacturers TMV3 performance standards of thermostatic protection.
TMV3 valves are designed, manufactured and tested to offer improved thermal performance including a faster failsafe function and improved control when the TMV3 is subject to variable water flow and temperature fluctuations.
TMV3 valves are designed, manufactured and tested to comply with the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 standards.
TMV2 valves offer a lower standard of thermal performance to TMV3’s and are suitable for use in most domestic properties and under certain circumstances, sheltered housing accommodation.
In health and social care settings TMV3 valves must undergo regular in-service tests to ensure they perform correctly. If a valve fails an in-service test, the valve must either be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or if can not be serviced it should be replaced. If the manufacturers instructions are unavailable then servicing should follow the guidance given in the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 which states that the first in-service TMV test must take place between 6 and 8 weeks after commissioning, with a further after 12 to 15 weeks.
Regular on-going in-service tests should be carried out to demonstrate adequate thermal performance is being maintained at the TMV3.
Regular in-service testing of TMVs is essential to ensure they operate correctly, delivering safe water temperatures between 39°C and 43°C. This is the recommended temperature range for hot water outlets where a TMV is installed.
All TMVs should be tested and the results compared to those recorded during the original commissioning stage. Where there is no significant change to the outlet temperature (≤ 2°C) and the failsafe shut-off activates as it should, the TMV is considered to be operating correctly. However, if the water temperature has increased by more than 2°C or the failsafe does not work, a full TMV service plus recommissioning, or valve replacement will be required.
Examine each TMV to identify if the correct specification valve is fitted, good accessibility and if isolation valves are fitted.
Measure and record the mixed water temperature to ensure it is between 39°C and 43°C.
Perform an in-service TMV failsafe shut-off test, isolating the cold water supply.
Isolate each TMV and clean, descale and disinfect valve components and fine mesh strainers.
Managing the risks associated with scalding from hot water in hospitals, healthcare and social care settings is a simple but essential safety management process. Regular testing and TMV servicing will help to ensure scalding risks are managed effectively and should be seen as an essential component in and regulatory compliance and Legionella control programme.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our expert TMV servicing and failsafe testing solutions can help you maintain water quality standards, safe water temperatures and meet regulatory standards required or your organisation.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained engineers, site service specialists and technical experts we can offer professional, cost effective TMV maintenance, thermostatic mixing valve servicing, temperature monitoring, fail safe testing and engineering support services across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
More information on thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), installation, servicing and maintenance issues contact the experts at Water Treatment Services … here →
Water Treatment Services offer a comprehensive range of Legionella control and specialist environmental hygiene solutions including Legionella risk assessments, training courses and water testing for the control of Legionnaires’ disease, Legionella, Pseudomonas and other waterborne pathogens in the workplace.
Our Legionella control and environmental hygiene services include:
Specialist Legionella risk assessment services to ensure the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease are managed to meet the compliance standards set by the Health & Safety Executive in their Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8.
Detailed water safety risk assessments delivered by fully trained Legionella risk assessors capable of performing detailed examinations of all man-made water systems. Our teams of specialists will also review existing risk management and control processes established to manage the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease through exposure to Legionella bacteria.
Specialist Legionella training courses developed to support organisations and individuals with responsibility for the management and control of Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella in the workplace.
Our range of specialist Legionella training courses cater for different roles and levels of management responsibility and are delivered by experienced industry experts. Our courses include an entry level Legionella awareness course, plus more advanced courses aimed specifically at duty holders, the responsible person, engineering contractors and others with day-to-day responsibility for the management and control of Legionella risks in the workplace.
Water Treatment Services offer a full range of UKAS accredited Legionella testing, laboratory analysis and in-field water testing and water sampling solutions.
Our UKAS Legionella testing and water sampling services have been developed to accurately identify whether your systems meet the safety and water quality standards set by the Health & Safety Executive for permitted levels of Legionella bacteria in water. Such analysis helps to improve water safety standards, provides confirmation that your Legionella control activities are effective, and will help to improve regulatory compliance.
Specialist range of expert witness and dispute resolution services involving the use, analysis and treatment of water, wastewater and air.
Our engineering and environmental specialists are highly sought after by both businesses and the legal profession to act as expert witnesses or independent expert advisors to help avoid or resolve disputes.
In this article the water safety specialists at Water Treatment Services review guidance published by the British Standards Institute in BS 8680:2020 dealing with water safety planning.
The use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves or TMVs is now recognised as an essential tool, helping to protect young children and vulnerable adults from serious injury caused by scalding hot water. While such plumbing valves can offer significant protection to their users, they can also create some serious water safety issues if they are not serviced and maintained correctly. In this guide our water safety specialists explain what a TMV is, where they are fitted and how they work. The guide then looks at UK Building Regulations, safety laws and guidance; and how the additional risks from waterborne pathogens such as Legionella bacteria can be managed through effective maintenance and servicing.
Cost effective solutions for defective and leaking tanks.
Water Treatment Services is a leading UK water and environmental engineering specialist offering expert water tank relining, specialist coatings and refurbishment solutions for the repair of defective and leaking water storage tanks, cooling towers, containment bunds and other liquid retaining structures.
Our expert tank lining and repair solutions use a technically advanced, high performance polyurethane coating system that will quickly breathe new life in to failing and dilapidated tanks and similar liquid storgae vessels with the minimum of disruption.
Our specialist solvent free coatings offer exceptional durability, they are WRAS approved for potable water, and are suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel. We are so confident in the long lasting performance of our tank coating system that we guarantee it for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
Our specialist water tank lining, protective coating and repair solutions offer a number of important benefits including:
Lining can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing or leaking water tank. It also means that the life of existing retaining structures can be extended significantly.
Whilst our lining system is typically used for tanks containing water, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Repair and reline works are carried out by experienced specialists allowing projects to be completed quickly and efficiently to reduce business disruption.
Where necessary we can provide a temporary water supply during the course of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system will prevent further corrosion and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless coating system cures to form a smooth, tough finish to provide long term protection against microbial colonisation of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough but flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement.
Fast curing protective coating forms an incredibly tough, durable finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank relining and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank repair and refurbishment solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Businesses of all sizes, across all industry sectors use and maintain water tanks for storage purposes. These tanks are as diverse in type and size as the business that own and operate them. It’s essential for safety and efficient running of the business that these tanks are well-maintained and adhere to current legislation covering the water regulations and health and safety matters. However on the ball your maintenance teams are with your water treatment controls, there is no getting away from the fact that over time your water tanks might spring a leak or start to rust and begin to cause you serious operational issues. So the question is… do you replace your leaking water tank or opt for a repair and reline solution?
If you use any of the various types of water tank in your buildings or as part of your processes and have started to notice leaks, staining or corrosion then you may have a problem that needs investigation to prevent further deterioration, water damage, microbial contamination and even disruption to your business operations.
Fortunately there’s no need to replace failing tanks. This is often the last resort option, and can be exceptionally costly. Repairing or relining, as the name suggests involves reusing your existing tank and simply applying a new, robust internal lining system formed using a high performance polyurethane coating that will last for many years to come.
Relining is typically used for tanks containing water, but is also suitable for many other liquid storage vessels. The types of tanks suitable for our protective coatings are diverse and include fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, sectional water tanks, process tanks, liquor tanks, containment bunds, potable water tanks, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Our specialist relining process is suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel.
Tanks which have begun to fail suffer from corrosion, deteriorating joints and seals. They may also develop microscopic surface pits, cracks and fissures to their internal surfaces allowing bacteria (Legionella, Pseudomonas) and biofilm to colonise the water system. This colonisation can have a significant impact on water quality, system performance and safety.
If you have procedures in place to monitor and test the water flowing through your systems, the first indications that your tanks may have developed issues could be evident in the testing results. Bacterial counts may have started to rise, or you may get persistent Legionella positives. You might also start to spot pools of water below or adjacent to the tanks, surface staining or there may be sediment building up on the bottom of the tanks.
Less obvious indications are signs of corrosion on bolts or other metal components of your tank, biofilm (slime) may also be evident inside the joints and on internal surfaces of the tank. Any of these signs can indicate that your tank is past its best and it is time to think about either replacing it, or having it professionally relined.
Remember – If you delay over the decision about any tank reline and repair works, it might get to the stage where relining is no longer an option and you have to replace the whole thing. Is this happens Water Treatment Services offer a full tank replacement service and our specialists will review all options with you to identify the most appropriate, cost effective solution.
There are several advantages in repairing and lining an existing water tank with our high performance polyurethane coating system, and they include:
Cost is the obvious main advantage, as a tank relining solution can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing tank, buying a replacement, installation and recommissioning back in to service.
Our specialist tank lining system is typically used for water storage tanks, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks, storage vessels, process tanks, liquor tanks, interceptors, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
It’s also safer and quicker too, with relining works being carried out by our experienced specialists, works can be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing down-time and business disruption to a minimum.
Where required we can provide a temporary water supply for the duration of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system provides long term protection against further corrosion and sediment issues, and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless tank reline system cures to form a smooth, incredibly tough finish that will help to combat microbial colonisation and contamination of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Our specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough, flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement to guard against settlement and expansion cracking.
Fast curing to form an incredibly tough, robust finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our polyurethane coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind. This is more than the typical guarantee when you buy a brand-new tank.
Depending on the size of the water tanks being refurbished and relined, the entire process can safely be completed surprisingly quickly. Certainly much quicker than if they were to be removed and replaced with new tanks.
After all site inspections and safety risk assessments have been completed the first stage of the process is to drain the water from the tank and inspect the structural integrity and condition of the interior surfaces, components, joints etc.
The relining process works best when there is a clean, stable, dust free substrate for the new polyurethane lining to adhere to. If the interior of the tank is in particularly poor condition, blasting may be carried out on a steel tank, or the surface of a concrete tank may be etched to provide a better key for the new tank lining.
Once the substrate preparations are complete the high performance, polyurethane coating system is then applied to the interior of the tank surfaces and allowed to cure. Our specialists will use a high-pressure spray to apply multiple layers of our coating system to the inside surfaces of the tank, leaving it to cure and then repeating the process as required until a suitable membrane finish is achieved.
For smaller tanks, the polyurethane coating may be carefully painted on rather than sprayed. Once the new lining has achieved a full cure, the tank is thoroughly inspected and then refilled.
The experts at Water Treatment Services use a high performance, solvent free polyurethane coating system that has been developed specifically for the repair and refurbishment of failing and leaking water tanks, cooling towers, fire sprinkler tanks and other liquid storage vessels.
Our high performance polyurethane coating systems offer a number of market leading benefits including:
In the UK one of the primary health and safety responsibilities businesses using water have is to guard against the risks from Legionella bacteria. It is a legal requirement underpinned by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Legionella is a bacteria which thrives in engineered water systems, especially in water storage tanks and pipework which are poorly maintained or have begun to corrode.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia which can prove fatal in vulnerable groups. Companies which use and operate water storage tanks, cooling towers and other types of water system have a legal obligation under UK health and safety law to protect their staff and others from the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. The Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and their safety guidance HSG274 are essential reading for business owners and operators.
To comply with the law businesses must carry out a legionella risk assessment, they must appoint someone to be responsible for controlling the risks, monitoring water quality, and taking steps to resolve problems as soon as they are made aware of them. A water tank which is poorly maintained, has started to corrode, has significant surface imperfections or is leaking is the ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens. Taking steps to have it relined isn’t just a cost-saving exercise for your business, it’s a legal requirement too.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our specialist water storage tank repair and relining solutions.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank coating and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank relining and repair solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
For more information about the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) … here →
In this article the water safety specialists at Water Treatment Services review guidance published by the British Standards Institute in BS 8680:2020 dealing with water safety planning.
The use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves or TMVs is now recognised as an essential tool, helping to protect young children and vulnerable adults from serious injury caused by scalding hot water. While such plumbing valves can offer significant protection to their users, they can also create some serious water safety issues if they are not serviced and maintained correctly. In this guide our water safety specialists explain what a TMV is, where they are fitted and how they work. The guide then looks at UK Building Regulations, safety laws and guidance; and how the additional risks from waterborne pathogens such as Legionella bacteria can be managed through effective maintenance and servicing.
Cost effective solutions for defective and leaking tanks.
Water Treatment Services is a leading UK water and environmental engineering specialist offering expert water tank relining, specialist coatings and refurbishment solutions for the repair of defective and leaking water storage tanks, cooling towers, containment bunds and other liquid retaining structures.
Our expert tank lining and repair solutions use a technically advanced, high performance polyurethane coating system that will quickly breathe new life in to failing and dilapidated tanks and similar liquid storgae vessels with the minimum of disruption.
Our specialist solvent free coatings offer exceptional durability, they are WRAS approved for potable water, and are suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel. We are so confident in the long lasting performance of our tank coating system that we guarantee it for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
Our specialist water tank lining, protective coating and repair solutions offer a number of important benefits including:
Lining can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing or leaking water tank. It also means that the life of existing retaining structures can be extended significantly.
Whilst our lining system is typically used for tanks containing water, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Repair and reline works are carried out by experienced specialists allowing projects to be completed quickly and efficiently to reduce business disruption.
Where necessary we can provide a temporary water supply during the course of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system will prevent further corrosion and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless coating system cures to form a smooth, tough finish to provide long term protection against microbial colonisation of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough but flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement.
Fast curing protective coating forms an incredibly tough, durable finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank relining and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank repair and refurbishment solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Businesses of all sizes, across all industry sectors use and maintain water tanks for storage purposes. These tanks are as diverse in type and size as the business that own and operate them. It’s essential for safety and efficient running of the business that these tanks are well-maintained and adhere to current legislation covering the water regulations and health and safety matters. However on the ball your maintenance teams are with your water treatment controls, there is no getting away from the fact that over time your water tanks might spring a leak or start to rust and begin to cause you serious operational issues. So the question is… do you replace your leaking water tank or opt for a repair and reline solution?
If you use any of the various types of water tank in your buildings or as part of your processes and have started to notice leaks, staining or corrosion then you may have a problem that needs investigation to prevent further deterioration, water damage, microbial contamination and even disruption to your business operations.
Fortunately there’s no need to replace failing tanks. This is often the last resort option, and can be exceptionally costly. Repairing or relining, as the name suggests involves reusing your existing tank and simply applying a new, robust internal lining system formed using a high performance polyurethane coating that will last for many years to come.
Relining is typically used for tanks containing water, but is also suitable for many other liquid storage vessels. The types of tanks suitable for our protective coatings are diverse and include fuel oil tanks and storage vessels, sectional water tanks, process tanks, liquor tanks, containment bunds, potable water tanks, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
Our specialist relining process is suitable for tanks made from most types of material, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP), concrete and steel.
Tanks which have begun to fail suffer from corrosion, deteriorating joints and seals. They may also develop microscopic surface pits, cracks and fissures to their internal surfaces allowing bacteria (Legionella, Pseudomonas) and biofilm to colonise the water system. This colonisation can have a significant impact on water quality, system performance and safety.
If you have procedures in place to monitor and test the water flowing through your systems, the first indications that your tanks may have developed issues could be evident in the testing results. Bacterial counts may have started to rise, or you may get persistent Legionella positives. You might also start to spot pools of water below or adjacent to the tanks, surface staining or there may be sediment building up on the bottom of the tanks.
Less obvious indications are signs of corrosion on bolts or other metal components of your tank, biofilm (slime) may also be evident inside the joints and on internal surfaces of the tank. Any of these signs can indicate that your tank is past its best and it is time to think about either replacing it, or having it professionally relined.
Remember – If you delay over the decision about any tank reline and repair works, it might get to the stage where relining is no longer an option and you have to replace the whole thing. Is this happens Water Treatment Services offer a full tank replacement service and our specialists will review all options with you to identify the most appropriate, cost effective solution.
There are several advantages in repairing and lining an existing water tank with our high performance polyurethane coating system, and they include:
Cost is the obvious main advantage, as a tank relining solution can be significantly more cost effective than removing a failing tank, buying a replacement, installation and recommissioning back in to service.
Our specialist tank lining system is typically used for water storage tanks, it is also suitable for many other types of tanks and liquid retaining structures including fuel oil tanks, storage vessels, process tanks, liquor tanks, interceptors, containment bunds, fire sprinkler tanks and cooling towers.
It’s also safer and quicker too, with relining works being carried out by our experienced specialists, works can be completed quickly and efficiently, reducing down-time and business disruption to a minimum.
Where required we can provide a temporary water supply for the duration of the works to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
Our specialist polyurethane coating system provides long term protection against further corrosion and sediment issues, and offers excellent chemical resistance.
Our seamless tank reline system cures to form a smooth, incredibly tough finish that will help to combat microbial colonisation and contamination of tank linings from Legionella, Pseudomonas, biofilm and other waterborne pathogens.
Our specialist solvent free polyurethane coating system is WRAS approved for use in potable water applications.
Our coating system cures to form a tough, flexible finish capable of accommodating structural movement to guard against settlement and expansion cracking.
Fast curing to form an incredibly tough, robust finish for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Our polyurethane coating systems are guaranteed for up to 10 years for complete peace of mind. This is more than the typical guarantee when you buy a brand-new tank.
Depending on the size of the water tanks being refurbished and relined, the entire process can safely be completed surprisingly quickly. Certainly much quicker than if they were to be removed and replaced with new tanks.
After all site inspections and safety risk assessments have been completed the first stage of the process is to drain the water from the tank and inspect the structural integrity and condition of the interior surfaces, components, joints etc.
The relining process works best when there is a clean, stable, dust free substrate for the new polyurethane lining to adhere to. If the interior of the tank is in particularly poor condition, blasting may be carried out on a steel tank, or the surface of a concrete tank may be etched to provide a better key for the new tank lining.
Once the substrate preparations are complete the high performance, polyurethane coating system is then applied to the interior of the tank surfaces and allowed to cure. Our specialists will use a high-pressure spray to apply multiple layers of our coating system to the inside surfaces of the tank, leaving it to cure and then repeating the process as required until a suitable membrane finish is achieved.
For smaller tanks, the polyurethane coating may be carefully painted on rather than sprayed. Once the new lining has achieved a full cure, the tank is thoroughly inspected and then refilled.
The experts at Water Treatment Services use a high performance, solvent free polyurethane coating system that has been developed specifically for the repair and refurbishment of failing and leaking water tanks, cooling towers, fire sprinkler tanks and other liquid storage vessels.
Our high performance polyurethane coating systems offer a number of market leading benefits including:
In the UK one of the primary health and safety responsibilities businesses using water have is to guard against the risks from Legionella bacteria. It is a legal requirement underpinned by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Legionella is a bacteria which thrives in engineered water systems, especially in water storage tanks and pipework which are poorly maintained or have begun to corrode.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia which can prove fatal in vulnerable groups. Companies which use and operate water storage tanks, cooling towers and other types of water system have a legal obligation under UK health and safety law to protect their staff and others from the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and Legionnaires’ disease. The Health and Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 and their safety guidance HSG274 are essential reading for business owners and operators.
To comply with the law businesses must carry out a legionella risk assessment, they must appoint someone to be responsible for controlling the risks, monitoring water quality, and taking steps to resolve problems as soon as they are made aware of them. A water tank which is poorly maintained, has started to corrode, has significant surface imperfections or is leaking is the ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria and other waterborne pathogens. Taking steps to have it relined isn’t just a cost-saving exercise for your business, it’s a legal requirement too.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to find out more about our specialist water storage tank repair and relining solutions.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of trained engineers and tank coating specialists we can offer professional water tank coating and repair solutions to businesses throughout the UK and Ireland.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our tank relining and repair solutions can help you. To speak with one of our experts call us on 0330 223 31 31 or simply use this button.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
For more information about the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) … here →
The Health & Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice ACOP L8 – “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems” provides guidelines for those with responsibility for the control of legionella in water systems. This includes dutyholders, employers, those in control of premises including landlords, employers and those with health and safety responsibilities for others. If that describes you, or if you are involved with the control of legionella at your place of work then get up to speed by downloading your complimentary copy of the HSE’s ACOP L8 now – simply use the download button below.
Expert TMV servicing, maintenance and failsafe testing solutions.
Water Treatment Services is a leading water treatment and environmental services company offering a comprehensive range of expert water treatment, legionella control, health and safety compliance and engineering support solutions including the maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), TMV servicing, temperature monitoring and failsafe testing in health and social care facilities including hospitals, care homes and other premises where the risk of scalding from hot water requires the installation and regular maintenance of thermostatic mixing valves.
Our specialist water hygiene, legionella control, health and safety compliance and engineering support capabilities allow us to offer a range of expert services including the installation and replacement of thermostatic mixing valves, TMV servicing (including valve and fine mesh strainer cleaning, descaling and disinfection), temperature monitoring and failsafe testing to ensure good water quality standards, safe water temperatures and health and safety standards are achieved and maintained.
Our TMV servicing solutions are delivered by experienced, in-field water treatment and engineering experts who combine the latest testing equipment, high performance disinfectants and engineering components to ensure TMVs are maintained, serviced and tested regularly to ensure their correct operation.
Our professional thermostatic mixing valve maintenance, TMV servicing, temperature monitoring and safety testing services deliver several important benefits to our customers including:
Ensure safe, accurate and reliable temperature control is achieved and maintained at water outlets (showers, baths and taps) in accordance with set health and safety standards.
Maintain appropriate water quality standards and flow rates with regular cleaning, descaling and disinfection of thermostatic mixing valve components, fine mesh strainers, etc.
Ensure TMV failsafe mechanisms operate correctly to protect users in the event of water supply failure.
Review all installed TMVs to ensure correct specification valves are installed in locations as required.
All thermostatic mixing valve inspections, maintenance and TMV servicing details are recorded and maintained.
Within hospitals, healthcare, social care and similar settings the primary means of controlling the growth and proliferation of Legionella bacteria in hot water systems is by thermal control, which involves using elevated water temperatures. Current guidance set by the Department of Health in their “Health technical memorandum HTM 04-01: Safe water in healthcare premises” states that hot water should be stored at a minimum of 60°C and dispensed at a minimum of 55°C.
If hot water used for showering or bathing is above 44 °C then there is a significant risk of serious injury or even fatality, especially where large areas of the body are exposed to high temperatures. Such elevated water temperatures therefore need to be carefully controlled and managed, especially where those at higher risk of scalding injury are exposed.
A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) is a specially designed plumbing valve that carefully mixes hot and cold water to control hot water outlet temperatures to safe levels. TMVs are used in health and social care environments to protect people by reducing the risk of scalding from very hot water from showers, baths and wash hand basins.
TMVs are precision mechanical valves that are designed to regulate and maintain water temperatures to safe levels even when water pressures or flow rates fluctuate.
How do they work? As hot and cold water enters the mixing valve it is carefully blended using an internal thermal element to output a mixed water stream at a pre-set temperature that is typically between 39°C and 43°C. This is the recommended temperature range for hot water outlets where a TMV is installed.
TMVs also incorporate an essential failsafe mechanism that will automatically shut down the valve if either the cold water or hot water supplies fail. This ensures that people are protected from dangerously high hot water temperatures (interrupted cold water supply), and thermal shock from cold water (interrupted hot water supply).
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk from scalding from hot water with accident statistics showing that nearly 600 people suffered serious scald injuries in the UK each year. 75% of the victims of severe scalds were children under five years of age. Additionally, the figures also show that older people are at particular risk with those over the age of 65 accounting for almost two thirds of all fatalities in the UK.
RoSPA have campaigned long and hard for the introduction of TMVs in the wider community. Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive said:
“Young children and older people are most at risk from bath water scalds because their skin is thinner and therefore less able to withstand higher water temperatures than other age groups. Because of this, they can suffer a scald more quickly, at lower water temperatures, and often the burn is much deeper”.
Additionally, people with a reduced capacity, mobility or temperature sensitivity, together with those who cannot react appropriately, or quickly enough to prevent injury are also at greater risk. The installation and regular maintenance of TMVs helps to protect such vulnerable groups from scalding.
All hospitals, healthcare, social care and similar properties that fall under the Care Standards Act 2000 should be fitted with thermostatic mixing valves that meet the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 and NHS Estates – TMV manufacturers TMV3 performance standards of thermostatic protection.
TMV3 valves are designed, manufactured and tested to offer improved thermal performance including a faster failsafe function and improved control when the TMV3 is subject to variable water flow and temperature fluctuations.
TMV3 valves are designed, manufactured and tested to comply with the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 standards.
TMV2 valves offer a lower standard of thermal performance to TMV3’s and are suitable for use in most domestic properties and under certain circumstances, sheltered housing accommodation.
In health and social care settings TMV3 valves must undergo regular in-service tests to ensure they perform correctly. If a valve fails an in-service test, the valve must either be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, or if can not be serviced it should be replaced. If the manufacturers instructions are unavailable then servicing should follow the guidance given in the NHS Model Engineering Specification D08 which states that the first in-service TMV test must take place between 6 and 8 weeks after commissioning, with a further after 12 to 15 weeks.
Regular on-going in-service tests should be carried out to demonstrate adequate thermal performance is being maintained at the TMV3.
Regular in-service testing of TMVs is essential to ensure they operate correctly, delivering safe water temperatures between 39°C and 43°C. This is the recommended temperature range for hot water outlets where a TMV is installed.
All TMVs should be tested and the results compared to those recorded during the original commissioning stage. Where there is no significant change to the outlet temperature (≤ 2°C) and the failsafe shut-off activates as it should, the TMV is considered to be operating correctly. However, if the water temperature has increased by more than 2°C or the failsafe does not work, a full TMV service plus recommissioning, or valve replacement will be required.
Examine each TMV to identify if the correct specification valve is fitted, good accessibility and if isolation valves are fitted.
Measure and record the mixed water temperature to ensure it is between 39°C and 43°C.
Perform an in-service TMV failsafe shut-off test, isolating the cold water supply.
Isolate each TMV and clean, descale and disinfect valve components and fine mesh strainers.
Managing the risks associated with scalding from hot water in hospitals, healthcare and social care settings is a simple but essential safety management process. Regular testing and TMV servicing will help to ensure scalding risks are managed effectively and should be seen as an essential component in and regulatory compliance and Legionella control programme.
Contact Water Treatment Services today to learn how our expert TMV servicing and failsafe testing solutions can help you maintain water quality standards, safe water temperatures and meet regulatory standards required or your organisation.
With offices in London serving the South and South East England, Manchester (North West), Birmingham (Midlands), Bristol (South East England and Wales), Leeds (North and North East) and Glasgow (Scotland), supported by regional teams of specially trained engineers, site service specialists and technical experts we can offer professional, cost effective TMV maintenance, thermostatic mixing valve servicing, temperature monitoring, fail safe testing and engineering support services across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today for more information or for your FREE, no obligation quote.
More information on thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), installation, servicing and maintenance issues contact the experts at Water Treatment Services … here →
Water Treatment Services offer a comprehensive range of Legionella control and specialist environmental hygiene solutions including Legionella risk assessments, training courses and water testing for the control of Legionnaires’ disease, Legionella, Pseudomonas and other waterborne pathogens in the workplace.
Our Legionella control and environmental hygiene services include:
Specialist Legionella risk assessment services to ensure the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease are managed to meet the compliance standards set by the Health & Safety Executive in their Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8.
Detailed water safety risk assessments delivered by fully trained Legionella risk assessors capable of performing detailed examinations of all man-made water systems. Our teams of specialists will also review existing risk management and control processes established to manage the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease through exposure to Legionella bacteria.
Specialist Legionella training courses developed to support organisations and individuals with responsibility for the management and control of Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella in the workplace.
Our range of specialist Legionella training courses cater for different roles and levels of management responsibility and are delivered by experienced industry experts. Our courses include an entry level Legionella awareness course, plus more advanced courses aimed specifically at duty holders, the responsible person, engineering contractors and others with day-to-day responsibility for the management and control of Legionella risks in the workplace.
Water Treatment Services offer a full range of UKAS accredited Legionella testing, laboratory analysis and in-field water testing and water sampling solutions.
Our UKAS Legionella testing and water sampling services have been developed to accurately identify whether your systems meet the safety and water quality standards set by the Health & Safety Executive for permitted levels of Legionella bacteria in water. Such analysis helps to improve water safety standards, provides confirmation that your Legionella control activities are effective, and will help to improve regulatory compliance.
Specialist range of expert witness and dispute resolution services involving the use, analysis and treatment of water, wastewater and air.
Our engineering and environmental specialists are highly sought after by both businesses and the legal profession to act as expert witnesses or independent expert advisors to help avoid or resolve disputes.
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