Water Tank Cleaning

Water tank cleaning and disinfection is an integral part of a sound water hygiene program. Tanks should be inspected regularly and cleaned when necessary.

WHAT DO WE PROVIDE?

Halpin & Hayward experienced teams provide cleaning and disinfection of tanks and distribution systems across a wide variety of domestic, industrial, commercial, institutional and healthcare settings.

WHY CLEAN TANKS?

Tanks can become fouled or dirty and lead to bacterial contamination which is not only detrimental to health but can cause loss of production or premises to shutdown until the issue is resolved. Current guidance states tanks should be inspected regularly or when there is potential for contamination such as nearby roadworks or mains water supply interruptions. Silt and debris will often make its way into the water tanks during disruption and build up over time. This sediment can provide suitable conditions for bacteria to grow inside the tank.

A good water hygiene monitoring program will ensure tanks are kept clean, water turn over is rapid and distribution systems are regularly tested to ensure they are fit for use.

Bacteria can be an issue within water tanks, hot water vessels and distribution systems. In addition to tanks the distribution system in a building can also suffer bacteria growth due to increased ambient temperatures warming the pipework. In addition to water tank cleaning our experienced teams will flush and disinfect distribution and include bacteria samples to confirm the system is sterile following our work.

Water storage tanks can be considered high risk area’s if sufficient use or regular flushing is not adhered to and could lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria including Legionella Pneumophila.

GUIDANCE

All disinfection works are carried out in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Irish Health Protection Surveillance Centre document, National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland, 2009 and the UK HSC Approved Code of Practice and Guidance ‘The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems’ (ACoP L8). Links below:

https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/legionellosis/guidance/nationalguidelinesforthecontroloflegionellosisinireland/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg274.htm

Halpin & Hayward can offer the full range of hygiene services from surveying, water tank cleaning, sampling, analysis and reporting. We have a team of experienced operatives who complete cleans on our clients cooling towers, tanks, hot and cold water systems. We supply written analysis and reports for our clients.

REPORTS & COMPLIANCE

Upon completion of all works clients receive 2 no. documents from us:

1. A clean and disinfection certificate including date of works, operatives used, standards adhered to (HPSC:2009, HSG:274, BS:8558), any recommendations / actions and before and after photographs.
2. An independent laboratory analysis report confirming the water is sterile and fit for use.

Our customers trust us to ensure they are aware and compliant to all current regulations and guidance.

Cleaning and disinfection of water tanks is completed to the highest standards HSG274 (formerly L8) / BS:8558 / HPSC 2009 / BSRIA AG.2001.1 and normally involves draining, physical cleaning of the tanks, removal of large debris, use of wet vac, refilling, addition of sterilizing chemical to the tanks and allow the chemical to sterilize the tank for a pre-determined period. Upon completion, the sterilizing water will either be neutralised or be drawn down through all outlets and services for disinfection, tested and allowed stand for the regulation period. Following initial analysis to test for sufficient sterilant levels, the tanks will be intermittently tested throughout the sterilization to ensure sterilant levels remain within specification. Thereafter neutralizing and flushing the system and leaving same back in service refilled with fresh water together with the issuing of a written report, lab certificate and certificate of disinfection. Our clients receive a written and photographic (before & after) certificate and an independant laboratory analysis confirming the water is bacteriologically fit for use.

Please contact us for further information or a quotation.