Our BES team are attending the National Water Hygiene Course with Expedient Training this month.
The National Water Hygiene scheme is recognised by the UK water industry as a vital part in ensuring the protection of public health and promoting safe drinking water practices. It is a criminal offence to supply water unfit for human consumption.
This course is designed to protect the safety of water through good hygiene practices while working on restricted operations. It is suitable for staff working on reservoirs, pumping stations, water treatment works, network mains and boreholes.
The course will last 3 hours and covers both knowledge and understanding in the following areas.
The premise that water is a food product and the public expect their water supply to have been treated properly so that it does not cause health problems.
The importance of personal hygiene and identification of potential sources of contamination.
Awareness of potential for contamination. Includes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the need for clean boots.
Vehicles – vehicles need to be kept clean and tidy and tools need to be separated. Awareness of where the vehicle has been taken before entering a treatment works e.g. fields, sewage treatment works etc.
Multi-functional working – water and sewerage working is becoming common for some companies and the associated risks must be understood.
Fuel, diesel and chemical contamination – any of these getting into the water could have detrimental affects.
Pets could help to spread water borne diseases e.g. dogs, cats, horses etc – ensure that individuals do not wear the same footwear for work.
Chlorine/disinfection, both in the water itself and other usage i.e. how chlorine is used to wash boots, clean tools and in repairs, and the correct disposal of chlorine solution.
Awareness and usage surrounding approved products. The right substance for the job
Awareness of the sampling and audit processes in place by various bodies.
Upon completion of the assessment BES staff will be awarded a EUSR Card.
Created in 2006, the ‘Blue Card’ replaced all water company specific hygiene schemes and removed the need for workers to undergo separate testing, health screening and to carry multiple cards. Water companies across the UK now mostly mandate the use of the National Water Hygiene card for anyone entering a clean water site or engaged in operations on the clean water network, whether in contact with the water or not.
The registration and card lasts for three years from date of training and provides on-site evidence that an individual has demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge and awareness with regards to hygiene issues. It is also a prerequisite for many other industry competence requirements and EUSR registration schemes.
