Who is the course for

This course is for healthcare estates staff who manage, operate, maintain, monitor and repair water distribution systems and associated equipment and who have specific roles and responsibilities in relation to water systems.

It is also appropriate for development/ design project staff who require an in-depth understanding of water hygiene and safety for new build and refurbishment projects.

Aims & objectives

To enable learners to gain an understanding of the relevant statutory instruments and the recommendations of the best practice guidance HTM 04-01.

To be able to apply these whilst undertaking roles and responsibilities in relation to water distribution systems in healthcare facilities, ensuring patient and staff safety from microbiological, chemical and physical risks.

BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

– Explain the requirements of legislation and regulations for water distribution systems and the significant changes to and the mandatory requirements of best practice guidance including HTM 04-01 (2016).

– Describe the prominent waterborne pathogens – occurrence, ecology and transmission routes and the consequence of contamination of the water systems from these and other water safety issues including chemical and physical contamination.

– Explain the ways in which water distribution systems, cooling towers, outlets, components and associated equipment can become contaminated and methods of preventing contamination.

– Describe the responsibilities of individuals to prevent contamination of the water distribution system and outlets and assist in ensuring control measures in place are effective Identifying appropriate personal hygiene, cleanliness of equipment, tools, materials and storage.

– Evaluate methods of on-line and off-line disinfection of water systems and calculate appropriate quantities for disinfection with pH correction.

– Identify methods of sampling and appropriate aseptic techniques.

– Describe the function, role and responsibilities of the ‘Duty Holder’ and ‘Responsible Person’ (ACoP L8), the professional support structure in HTM 00 and how it can be applied to support water safety and understand the value and application of a ‘permit to work’ system to water safety management.

– Explain risk assessment, maintenance of log books and records in relation to compliance with regulations identify the elements of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, risk minimisation scheme and action plan.

– Explain the role and responsibilities of the Water Safety Group.

– Analyse and establish the essential elements of a Water Safety Plan.