🚰 Water Safety (Hot & Cold Water Systems)
Plas Heli’s water system is designed to minimise Legionella risk through direct mains-fed cold water, controlled hot water generation, and automated temperature management via the Building Management System (BMS). This page outlines statutory water hygiene responsibilities, monitoring arrangements, and record‑keeping requirements.
1. Legal Framework
Plas Heli complies with:
- HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 – Legionnaires’ disease
- HSG274 Part 2 – Hot and cold water systems
- COSHH Regulations – Control of hazardous substances
- Local Authority Environmental Health requirements
Water Hygiene & Legionella Policy
2. Water System Overview
The water system at Plas Heli consists of:
- Direct mains-fed cold water (no cold-water storage tanks)
- Biomass boiler providing primary hot water heating
- Two backup gas boilers for redundancy
- Hot water storage controlled by the Building Management System (BMS)
- Distribution pipework to washrooms, kitchen, bar, and operational areas
Direct mains supply significantly reduces Legionella risk by eliminating cold-water storage.
3. Legionella Risk Assessment
A formal Legionella Risk Assessment identifies:
- Hot water storage risks
- Temperature control requirements
- Dead legs or unused outlets
- Required flushing regimes
- Monitoring and record‑keeping arrangements
4. Temperature Monitoring (BMS Controlled)
The Building Management System (BMS) automatically maintains and records safe temperatures:
- Stored hot water: maintained ≥ 60°C
- Hot water outlets: typically ≥ 50°C
- Cold water outlets: direct mains supply ≤ 20°C
- Automatic alerts if temperatures fall outside safe ranges
Manual checks may be carried out periodically to verify BMS readings.
5. Flushing Regime
Because cold water is mains-fed and hot water is BMS‑controlled, flushing focuses on preventing stagnation in low‑use outlets:
- Showers (if present)
- Rarely used taps
- Seasonal or event‑specific outlets
- Any pipework identified as a “dead leg”
6. Cleaning & Disinfection
Due to soft water in Pwllheli, limescale is not an issue and descaling is not required. Cleaning and disinfection may still be required if:
- Outlets are unused for extended periods
- Risk assessment identifies a specific hazard
- Corrective action is required following temperature deviations
Cleaning & Disinfection Schedule
7. Record Keeping
Water hygiene records must be retained for at least 5 years, including:
- Risk assessments
- BMS temperature logs
- Manual verification checks
- Flushing logs
- Corrective actions
- Maintenance records
8. Event Considerations
Event organisers must ensure:
- No unauthorised water connections are made
- Temporary facilities (e.g., portable sinks) comply with water hygiene standards
- Seasonal or high‑use periods are included in EMPs
- Any additional outlets are added to flushing schedules
Event Water Hygiene Requirements