Air and water services – the complete package for sports venues
Stadiums and sports venues have many air and water compliance issues to consider. They often have multiple water and ventilation systems, as well as food outlets with individual extraction systems. Buying air and water services as a package can be time and cost-effective.
Water systems
Toilets, showers and changing rooms, as well as laundry and catering facilities, all have water systems which must be kept Legionella free. The off-season presents particular challenges, as the risk of Legionella increases when water is allowed to sit in the system for any length of time. Water systems must be regularly flushed and the water tested and monitored in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice L8, issued by the HSE.
Grease extract systems
There can be a variety of catering outlets within a stadium, from fast food to fine dining. All of these will have kitchen extract systems which must be regularly cleaned, to prevent grease build up. This is a serious fire prevention measure as well as a food hygiene requirement. Grease should be removed by a competent specialist cleaner in accordance with TR19® Grease, a specification issued by the BESA (Building Engineering Services Association.)
Ventilation systems
Clean ventilation systems are key to good indoor air quality, which is essential for the well-being of players, staff and fans in the various areas of the stadium. Ventilation systems should be compliant with TR19® Air, also issued by the BESA.
Packaged services
Some air and water hygiene compliance disciplines require a specialist service provider. Using a package of services, such as an inspection package which might include water sampling, kitchen extract system wet film thickness tests and ventilation duct EVT tests can provide money-saving economies of scale while saving valuable time, dealing with a single point of contact.
How to choose a specialist service provider
You must ensure that you use a competent service provider with appropriately trained technicians.
For ventilation services, you should ensure that your provider is a current member of the BESA Vent Hygiene Register. For water services, they should be an existing member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA). Choosing providers who are members of these bodies means that much of the due diligence in appointing a provider has been done for you, as members are regularly vetted.
The supervising technician who carries out your kitchen extract cleaning should hold the BESA Grease Hygiene Technician qualification. Likewise, ventilation system technicians should hold the BESA Air Hygiene Operative or Technician qualification.
Clear cut reports
Compliance itself is vital, but it is equally important to have clear evidence of your compliance. Property managers who fail to ensure that their air and water services are compliant can be prosecuted for negligence. If convicted, they can face a custodial sentence and their employers can face large fines, especially if there has been a fire, or a Legionella outbreak, due to negligence.
A specialist provider will provide post-service verification reports, which form robust evidence of compliance, including before and after photographic records of cleaning and testing.
Shop around
There is nothing wrong with shopping around for services, as long as the providers are competent, and their work is carried out to the latest legislation or regulation. However, buying a package of services can undoubtedly save you time, resources and money, as well as giving you some much needed peace of mind.
