Thomson Environmental Services

Thomson Environmental Services can provide the complete spectrum of water treatment services. Thomson Environmental Services can carry out works either on a 'one- off' basis or as part of a contract. The Company is familiar with all the relevant guidelines and is able to offer advice on compliance related issues and how any such contracts should be drawn-up.

The usual reason for establishing and maintaining water of a high quality is to prevent and control the growth of Legionella. Since the first 'identified' outbreak in 1976, an industry has evolved aimed at providing preventative measures, usually depicted under the banner of 'Water Hygiene'.

By following Government Guidance on Health & Safety and implementing preventative measures in the control of Legionella, the client is able to control the growth of the bacteria and comply with relevant Health & Safety Law.

The recommended and logical starting point for most customers is a Legionellosis Risk Assessment. The Legionellosis Risk Assessment is a required document for all sites, so by carrying out the risk assessment first, clients are both complying with Health & Safety Law and also being provided with a plan for future action i.e. the details of any remedial works required and if required, the structure and content of a water hygiene contract.

The water treatment industry has evolved over the last 30 years, from being concerned primarily with bacteria that cause operational inefficiencies i.e fouling, corrosion and heat transfer reduction, to treating bacteria of a more pathogenic nature. Cooling Towers or Water Cooled Systems, whilst vastly more efficient than air cooled, do if not properly monitored present a risk from a legionella stand-point.

Today's requirements for health and safety management are extensive and those relating to Legionella control are no exception. From the Health and Safety at Work act and the COSHH regulations to the guidance of the HSE, the situation can quickly become complex for those not familiar.

Getting the right level of training has always been important and this was again emphasised in the most recent offering from the Health and Safety Executive- the fourth edition of ACOP L8 and technical guidance HSG 274.It is therefore essential that those responsible for water management at all levels i.e. from the Duty Holder to system operators, site engineers and maintenance staff, are all sufficiently trained to meet these demands.