To present the essential information contained in Health Technical Memorandum 04-01 clearly and concisely and to learn how to apply this to achieve compliance.
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ONSITE COURSE
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Health Technical Memorandum 04-01 requires healthcare organisations to establish a Water Safety Group (WSG).
This group must ensure that there is the appropriate expertise available to fully implement all elements of the Water Safety Plan. Therefore it must include staff who are familiar with all water systems and associated equipment, factors that may increase risk of waterborne pathogens and have knowledge of the particular vulnerabilities of the at-risk population within the facility.
This course is for those sitting on new and established WSG’s, particularly suitable for estates, infection prevention and control and facilities representatives.
To present the essential information contained in Health Technical Memorandum 04-01 clearly and concisely and to learn how to apply this to achieve compliance.
To gain an understanding of the management of 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:
– State the physical, chemical and microbiological water related hazards.
– State the governance and accountability requirements.
– Identify the breadth of risk assessments required for the Water Safety Plan.
– Define the microbiological sampling and monitoring requirements.
– Recognise the legislative requirements and regulations applicable to water distribution systems.
– Have an awareness of water distribution systems and associated equipment and the associated hazards.
– Describe appropriate remedial actions.
A Water Safety Group (WSG) is a multidisciplinary team responsible for overseeing the safe management of water systems within healthcare premises. As outlined in HTM 04-01, the group develops and reviews the Water Safety Plan, monitors risks, ensures compliance with legislation and guidance, and helps protect patients, staff and visitors from microbiological, chemical and physical water-related hazards.
This course is designed for members of new or established Water Safety Groups, including healthcare estates managers, facilities managers, infection prevention and control teams, Authorised Persons (Water), Responsible Persons (Water), engineers and anyone involved in the governance of healthcare water safety.
The course explains the requirements of HTM 04-01, governance arrangements, Water Safety Plans, risk assessments, microbiological sampling, monitoring, legislation, water distribution systems and the management of microbiological, chemical and physical risks. It provides the knowledge needed to support effective Water Safety Group meetings and decision-making.
A Water Safety Plan is a documented risk management approach for healthcare water systems. It identifies potential hazards, outlines control measures, assigns responsibilities and details how water safety will be monitored and reviewed. The Water Safety Group is responsible for ensuring the plan is implemented, maintained and regularly reviewed.
A Water Safety Group brings together technical, clinical and operational expertise to manage water safety risks across a healthcare organisation. It helps ensure legal compliance, supports patient safety, reviews incidents, oversees risk assessments and coordinates actions to reduce the likelihood of waterborne infections.
Learners gain an understanding of the legislation and best practice guidance that underpins healthcare water safety, including HTM 04-01, ACoP L8 and HSG 274. The course explains how these documents support governance, compliance and the safe management of healthcare water systems.
A Water Safety Group is responsible for reviewing Water Safety Plans, monitoring water quality, assessing risks, reviewing incidents, ensuring appropriate sampling and monitoring programmes are in place, supporting compliance with healthcare guidance and promoting continuous improvement in water safety management.
By the end of the course, you’ll understand the governance requirements for healthcare water safety, the role of the Water Safety Group, the purpose of Water Safety Plans, how to review risk assessments, understand microbiological monitoring and contribute effectively to maintaining compliant healthcare water systems.
Members of a Water Safety Group should receive regular refresher training to remain up to date with changes to legislation, guidance and best practice. Industry best practice generally recommends refresher training every two to three years, particularly for those with responsibilities under HTM 04-01, ACoP L8 and HSG 274.
Eastwood Park Training specialises in healthcare engineering and water hygiene training, delivering City & Guilds Assured courses designed around current healthcare guidance. This course equips Water Safety Group members with the knowledge needed to fulfil their governance responsibilities, strengthen Water Safety Plans and support compliance with HTM 04-01.