OHS Management System: Risk Management |
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> Introduction to Risk Management |
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Warm water systems in aged care organisations
> Introduction
> Hazard identification
> Risk assessment
> Risk control
> Record keeping
> Templates & References
Introduction
Warm water systems are specifically designed to limit temperature to avoid accidental scalding of residents. For adults, the system must maintain water temperature within a range of 40.5°C - 43.5°C and automatically cut off if the temperature reaches 46.0°C. Outlets supplying warm water must be marked with a yellow indicator or “W” on the tap.
There are two types of warm water systems:
- Storage tank or re-circulating system, controlled to a set temperature across the whole system.
- Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) that take cold and hot water and mix them to a set temperature at the point of use.
Hazard identification
TMVs are a known safety hazard as they have failed in aged care organisations.
Risk assessment
The consequences of incorrect functioning of the TMV could be scalding and subsequent death of a resident, for which you may be held responsible.
Risk control
- Existing systems
- New systems
- Maintenance
Existing systems
Owners of organisations are required to register warm water systems with the local council. This is done to create a register in case of an outbreak of Legionnaires disease. Local councils must also be advised of any alterations to the system. Councils charge a fee for registering the system.
New systems
- Aged care organisations can only install warm water systems that have been approved by the NSW Department of Health.
- An experienced licensed plumber who has undertaken additional training in installation of warm water systems must install these systems.
- The installer must provide you with a certificate of compliance upon completion of installation and performance testing of the system.
Maintenance
- System maintenance
- Temperature testing
- Testing for bacteria
System maintenance
The system must be maintained in good working order. Regular maintenance must be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The plumber installing your system should advise you of the maintenance requirements. Maintenance frequency will also vary depending on your water supply.
Maintenance will include:
- Warm water storage vessels must be cleaned to remove sludge, slime, or other pollutants.
- TMV’s must be regularly tested and cleaned by a licensed plumber who is trained and experienced in the service and repair of TMVs.
Before any work is done to the system the plumber is required to inspect the whole warm water system for its integrity. The plumber must provide a service report, which records any problems identified with the system and recommendations for fixing them.
As a MINIMUM warm water systems MUST be serviced annually.
Temperature testing
The temperature of water at outlets in the organisation must be tested at least monthly. Results of these tests must be recorded and the records kept.
If the temperature is tested as being 2 degrees or more above the set temperature you must immediately isolate that system until it is repaired.
Testing for bacteria
Warm water systems may be a source of Legionella bacteria, particularly if poorly maintained.
Water supplied from the system should be tested for bacteria on a regular basis. Samples should be tested at a NATA registered laboratory.
Results from testing can vary with the sampling procedures used. Ask your laboratory for any requirements for collecting and transporting the samples.
For your first test, water samples should be collected from a representative sample of water outlets across the organisation. Each sample should be tested for bacteria once a quarter over a full 12 months. The results of this testing should enable development of an ongoing testing procedure with this being conducted at least annually.
If a high bacteria count is found then the system must be disinfected. Your laboratory should be able to advise you which companies in your area are able to disinfect your system to the standard required in Australian Standards.
Record keeping
Records must be kept regarding:
- Installation specifications
- Manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance
- Any recommendations from the plumber that suggest varying the recommended testing frequency
- Report of initial installation of the system, including any certificates
- Records of routine testing, service and maintenance including any reported malfunctions including action taken
These records should be retained in a safe but accessible location.
The NSW Department of Health specifies that your maintenance records and bacteria test results must be accessible to them on a 24-hour basis. Penalties apply for non-compliance. Some councils ask for records of maintenance and bacteria testing, although this is not specifically called for under the regulations.
Templates & References
www.nata.asn.au includes a list of laboratories.
AS 3500.4.1-1997 Hot water Supply Systems