Industries
Industrial & Manufacturing
Best water, heating, cooling and hygiene delivering a competitive advantage
Pulse Water’s industrial and manufacturing experience focuses on solutions that improve the use of water, reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact – safely, reliably and cost effectively with exacting compliance.
As in any commercial business, regular legionella risk assessments are essential in factories and warehouses, especially where cooling systems are employed, such as a cooling tower or evaporative condenser. Cooling equipment is a hazard when it comes to legionella as it provides the bacteria with a way of getting into the human respiratory system via the tiny droplets of water produced. Once inhaled, the bacterium is the cause of the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease.
- Aerospace and Defence
- Automotive and Components
- Building and Construction
- Electronic Goods (inc White Goods)
- Facilities Management
- Food and Beverage
- Healthcare
- Higher and Further Education
- Packaging (inc Paper, Cardboard)
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceutical
- Power (Gas, Nuclear, Renewable)
- Plastics
- Real Estate
- Rubber
- Textiles
- Transport
- Glass
Relevance
Factories and warehouses must take stringent measures to control the bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Coldwater needs to be stored at temperatures lower than 20oC, and hot water must be over 45oC in order to restrict the bacteria’s growth. Water systems must also be kept clear of deposits such as sludge, rust, scale and other organic matter which provide the bacteria with sustenance.
- We improve water quality, reduce water wastage, maximise re-use, improve system and energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact and preserve / extend asset life
- Improving production processes – we are able to influence, enhance and add substantial value across pre-treated water, water re-use, heating, cooling and much more
- We improve indoor air quality, ambient temperature operating processes and HVAC systems through water and air hygiene improvements, enhancements and engineering works – making working conditions better and keeping operations safe and compliant
- Sharing knowledge and ensuring ‘highest standards’ – we work to unique customer operating KPIs but are known for lifting the bar and sharing best practice
- Training, compliance and continuous improvement – necessary to comply with legislation and best practice guidelines, satisfy HSE and other inspectors
When and how often do I need a legionella risk assessment?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and in compliance with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8, HSG 274), duty holders, including employers and those in control of premises, must ensure the health and safety of their employees or others who may be affected by their undertaking, this includes the risk of legionella. Legionnaires Disease is a form of pneumonia, which can be fatal and the main route of infection is through inhalation, by inhaling airborne water droplets that contain Legionella. This also applies if you are a private Landlord and have rental properties which are occupied.
This includes legionella awareness, taking suitable precautions to prevent, manage and control the risk of exposure to legionella. You can do this by undertaking the following: legionella awareness training, a risk assessment, actioning all identified risks within the initial report with remedial works, sampling the water quality to confirm bacterial presence with water testing, and carrying out ongoing record keeping also known as monitoring.
Testing for Legionella
Legionella testing and water analysis is the process of taking a water sample, in a sterilised bottle (with sodium thiosulphate) for a true reading, before sending the water sample onto our UKAS accredited laboratory for quick analysis and fast results. The laboratory will identify the presence or absence of Legionella in the water sample collected, along with the bacterial count and Legionella species present. It is important to bear in mind that for accurate results, the water samples must be taken at the right points within the water system and you need to know where to take those Legionella samples from. This means understanding your water system’s design and risk areas. You should also only ever use one sterilised bottle per outlet to avoid mixing samples from two different points. If you are not sure what to do to meet your legal requirements, then contact us today for specialist Legionella testing guidance. The purpose of testing water samples is to mitigate the risk of Legionnaires’ disease which is a result of the Legionella bacteria growing in the water system and can be fatal so should be taken seriously.
When do I need a chlorination?
Where necessary, hot and cold water services should be cleaned, flushed and disinfected in the following instances, as specified in BS 8558:2011:
- New water system installations or refurbishment of hot and cold water systems
- Installation of new components
- Systems that have been out of use for long periods of time
- Evidence of contamination or stagnation in tanks
- Substantial alterations to the systems
- Following sample results indicating contamination
- During or following an outbreak of legionella
- Where indicated by the risk assessment
Conditions and contributing factors to its growth include:
- Temperatures between 20-45°C
- Available nutrients (including sediment, biofilm, algae, scale, rust, material, etc.)
- Presence of biofilm on surfaces of water
- Poor or inadequate management including training and awareness
We support your goals of creating a highly sustainable water treatment process, enabling a safe environment and efficient chemical and energy sustainability.