Head Of Training, The Healthy Work Company

July 20, 2016

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Remote water temperature monitoring to reduce Legionella risk

Monitoring water temperatures to reduce the risk posed by Legionella bacteria can be time consuming and costly. Regular visits from engineers to undertake this monitoring are also disruptive, and in sensitive buildings such as care homes and hospitals this can be a particular concern to managers and occupants.

Water hygiene experts, AEC, explain how they have successfully introduced a remote water temperature monitoring system to mitigate these issues.

AEC is successfully operating a remote water temperature monitoring system. For our clients this means fewer/shorter visits are required, costs are reduced and disruption is minimised, as well as providing an increased level of reporting and understanding of any potential risks. AEC’s technical director Bob Harris explains:

Why use remote temperature monitoring

Operating a remote system means we have minimised the need for engineers having to regularly enter properties to record temperature readings, a particular advantage for sensitive sites such as healthcare facilities, care homes and schools. This saves time, costs and access delays and maintains consistent testing locations. It also helps to reduce carbon footprint by removing the need for travel to numerous locations to record temperatures.

Under HSG 274, water temperatures should be checked for compliance on a monthly basis. As part of our remote monitoring system, the measured temperatures are recorded, with any non-compliant findings flagged up to nominated AEC engineers for attention, with a brief description of the nature of the non-compliance. The problem can then be immediately addressed according to its nature and urgency.

The location of each sensor is based on AEC’s site surveys of the premises and with reference to the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 risk assessments.

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The benefits

The benefits of a remote monitoring system are:

  • Potential 40%-60% cost savings in temperature monitoring costs dependant on system type.
  • Easy access to temperature information for the client – giving big picture information on what the water systems are doing.
  • Less disruption to site with reduced or no visits to sites for temperature monitoring.
  • Transparency of remedial actions.
  • Reduced Legionella risk.
  • A greener approach to managing the building – by utilising technology and up to 50% cost savings on multi-skilled staff. 

Case study

AEC performs remote temperature monitoring for a property management client that has over 30 years’ experience managing a large property portfolio across the UK, and specialises in high-end residential apartments.

We have successfully operated the remote temperature monitoring system for the client for over three years, providing peace of mind and hassle-free monitoring at a number of sensitive sites.

The system monitors temperatures in the client’s properties every 15 minutes and transmits temperature readings to the on-site hub. This data is then transmitted via GPRS to the web-based portal.

AEC receives notification via web-based reporting if any temperatures fall outside the Approved Code of Practice (L8) and HSG 274 guidelines.

Being web-based and offering easy navigation means the client receives up to the minute reporting for all of their properties, a key feature for our client as they provide a ‘round the clock’ response service.

How it works

The remote monitoring system comprises a gateway hub, a signal booster and temperature sensors. It feeds back data to hubs located in AEC’s north and south offices, automatically providing temperature readings from all of the monitored sites. These readings then immediately flag up if temperatures reach a point where there could be increased Legionella risk.

The system can store risk assessments, schematic diagrams and monthly reports. Having an automated system that can be accessed by any authorised user with internet access means it is very efficient for clients responsible for multiple sites to view their monitoring data/documentation at any time and from any location.

For a free consultation, or to find out more, contact AEC on 0161 872 7111 or email [email protected]. Please quote ‘SHP August’ when you contact us.

Find out more on our website: http://aec.uk.net/hub/resources/case-studies/housing-water-management

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