LWS are a national water solutions specialist offering a comprehensive range of water analysis, laboratory testing and on-site water sampling services to businesses and domestic-private properties throughout the UK.
Services
Legionella Testing
Microbiological Analysis (Water Testing)
Our laboratory water analysis and on-site sampling services have been developed to accurately identify the absence or presence of bacteria within water samples.
Our UKAS accredited laboratory analysis, evaluation and expert interpretation of test resultsmakes for an accurate and efficient service which is essential in so many differentcircumstances.
Our highly trained engineers are experienced in obtaining and handling water samples so as to maintain a high standard throughout the sampling and collection process.
Our professional onsite water sampling services cover a wide range of tests that include microbiological and chemical analysis
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On completion of our laboratory analysis, a full report is provided and results interpreted by our expert engineers, the interpretationof the results are then passed on to the client with an explanation of what the results mean for you, your water systems and the safety and health of those exposed to your water systems.
Get in touch today to enquire about our services.
Water System Disinfections
Do I need a water storage tank clean and disinfection?
- If a routine inspection shows it to be necessary
- If the system or part of it has been substantially altered or entered for maintenance or remedial purposes in a manner that may lead to contamination, or
- During or following an outbreak or suspected outbreak of Legionellosis:
“The risk from exposure to Legionella should be prevented or controlled; precautions include keeping the system and the water in it clean.”
ACoP L8, paragraph190.
What is involved during a clean and disinfection?
Clean and disinfection services are carried out in accordance with ACoP L8 following the procedures outlined in BS6700.
- An engineer will visit your site and initially conduct an assessment to identify any additional health and safety precautions required
- Isolation of the cold water storage tank and any pump sets
- Fully drain the tank and undertake a physical clean to impeccable aesthetic standards
- Chemical cleaning using silver based hydrogen peroxide – the use of this chemical halves the volume of water needed to be ‘dumped’ than using conventional methods
- Use of alternative chemicals such as chlorine and bio/oil dispersants where applicable
- Where required, full system disinfection including all assets and pipe work, measuring chemical levels at every outlet to ensure successful disinfection
- Tests carried out for TVC, e-coli, coliform and Legionella by a UKAS accredited laboratory (see Microbiological analysis)
- Issue of disinfection certificate and sample results for your log book
Why choose Legionella Water Services Ltd for your clean and disinfections?
- Strictly compliant:
Cleaning and disinfection services are carried out in line with ACoP L8 by following the procedures set out by BS6700 to keep you compliant. - We have seen it all:
Over 20 years experience in the field has presented our engineers with a wide range of site issues, so you can be reassured we will recommend the most effective solution for your needs. - Responsive and reassuring:
In the event of any out of range microbiological results, we have strict procedures in place to remedy the situation, fast tracking action where possible and responding to site usually within 24 hours to minimise any required system shut down. - Quality standard:
All clean and disinfection services are managed under our quality standard ISO 9001:2008 to ensure we maintain a high standard of service when on your premises. - Dedicated account management team:
We implement a customer relationship database in house which provides reminders to our account management team to ensure we keep on top of your system cleanliness.
Get in touch today to enquire about our services.
Management of Water Systems
Using temperature control
The primary method used to control the risk from Legionella is water temperature monitoring.
Water systems should be operated at temperatures that prohibit the growth of Legionella bacteria, for example
- Hot water storage cylinders (calorifiers) should store water at 60°C or higher
- Hot water should be distributed at 50°C or higher (thermostatic mixer valves need to be fitted as close as possible to outlets, where a scald risk is identified).
- Cold water should be stored and distributed below 20°C.
All water systems should be routinely monitored by a competent person to ensure compliance, the ‘sentinel’ outlets (furthest and closest to each asset) would be identified in the legionella Risk Assessment for monthly checking of the distribution temperatures. In addition, all stored hot water temperatures should be monitored every month and cold storage vessels at least every six months
Stagnant water favours Legionella growth. To reduce the risk you should remove dead legs/dead ends in pipe-work, flush out infrequently used outlets (including showerheads and taps) at least weekly and clean and de-scale shower heads and hoses at least quarterly. Cold-water storage tanks should be cleaned periodically and water should be drained from hot water cylinders to check for debris or signs of corrosion.
Design systems to minimise Legionella growth, by:
- Using materials that do not encourage the growth of Legionella.
- Keeping water systems as short and direct as possible
- Ensuring structural compliance by fitting tanks with tight fitting lids, lid vents, overflow insect screens and adequate insulation.
- Ensuring minimum water storage and maximum water usage
Other control methods
Other methods to control Legionella include copper and silver ionisation and biocide treatments (e.g. chlorine dioxide). To ensure that they remain effective their application will need suitable assessment as part of the overall water treatment programme including proper installation, maintenance and monitoring.
Get in touch today to enquire about our services.
Legionella Risk Assessments
Do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment?
- Legionella risk assessments are required by law (see your legal duties).
- They are a statutory requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 amongst others.
- A Legionella risk assessment is a fundamental step in protecting your employees and the public from exposure to contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
- Legionella risk assessments should meet the requirements of the HSE’s ACoP L8.
- BS 8580:2010 is the latest British Standard relating to Legionella.
- They should be reviewed every two years or following a system change
“A suitable and sufficient assessment is required to identify and assess the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria from work activities and water systems on the premises and any necessary precautionary measures.”
ACoP L8, paragraph23.
What does a Legionella Risk Assessment involve?
Our comprehensive and compliant Legionella risk assessments include identification and evaluation of all potential sources of risk associated with Legionella within your building’s water system.
A City and Guilds qualified Legionella risk assessor visits your premises to perform a site survey.
This involves:
- A detailed inspection of each room
- Water temperatures taken across the site measured against acceptable ranges
- Identification and detailed inspection of all site assets
- Trace of all pipe work configurations and water sources
- Identification, evaluation and prioritisation of all risks
- Control scheme recommendations against the identified risks
- Check of system materials to ensure compliance with WRAS (the latest water fittings regulations)
- Photography of all site assets and risk areas
Following the site visit, the risk assessment is typed up and issued to you electronically and/or in hardcopy depending on your requirements.
This includes:
- Certification of the risk assessment – appropriate for any HSE inspection
- Overall risk rating – a quantitative way to measure risk and prioritise remedial works
- Executive summary – a summary of findings and recommendations for initial review
- Recommendations – a task-by-task summary of all recommendations bespoke to site
- Site and asset inspection reports – Asset registries, useful for management records
- Report photography – All findings clearly referenced against photographic record
- Site schematic – Simple to follow, detailed representations of the entire site; pinpointing site assets and deadlegs against building references.
Why choose Legionella Water Services Ltd for your Legionella risk assessment
- Strictly compliant:
Our Legionella risk assessments are designed in strict accordance with ACoP L8 and BS 8580:2010 to keep you compliant. - Practical and concise reports:
Our reports are designed to exceed industry standards but provide practical and concise information to help you identify the key issues and actions to control the risk of Legionella. - Over 20 years’ experience:
We have been in the industry for over 20 years and carry out over 800 Legionella risk assessments a year across the UK so you can be reassured of our experience. - Experienced, qualified and courteous risk assessors:
Our Legionella risk assessors are City and Guilds’ qualified and have a practical background of water systems, who are courteous and respectful to your premises, employees and clients. - Cost effective and efficient:
We employ bespoke software to enable Legionella risk assessments to be carried out efficiently and cost effectively so you can be reassured of value for money.
