Electric Showers and Point-of-Use Water Heaters: Legionella Basics
Electric showers, under-sink water heaters and instant hot water taps are common in offices, clubs, shops and small workplaces. They are convenient because they heat water close to where it is used. They are often seen as low risk for legionella, and many are, but they still need to be included in your legionella risk […]
Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Systems: Legionella Risks
Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are increasingly common in new and refurbished buildings across Ireland. They reduce mains water use by collecting rainwater or reusing lightly used water for things like toilet flushing, irrigation and vehicle washing. They are a good idea, but they introduce stored water that is not treated to drinking standards, […]
Expansion Vessels: A Hidden Legionella Risk in Your Water System
Expansion vessels are small tanks fitted to many hot and cold water systems to absorb pressure changes as water heats and cools. They are easy to miss, often tucked away in plant rooms or under stairs, but they can hold water that barely moves and sits at lukewarm temperatures. That makes them worth including in […]
What Is a Legionella Written Scheme of Control?
A legionella risk assessment tells you where the risks are in your water system. A written scheme of control is the practical plan that follows it: what needs to be done, by whom and how often to keep those risks under control. Many buildings have the first but not the second, and that is often […]
What Is Biofilm and Why Does It Matter for Legionella?
Biofilm is a thin, slimy layer of bacteria and other organisms that builds up on the inside surfaces of pipes, tanks, showerheads and other parts of a water system. It matters for legionella control because it gives bacteria somewhere to shelter, feed and multiply, and it can protect them from heat and disinfection. Controlling biofilm […]
Server Rooms and Comms Cupboards: Fire Safety Basics
Server rooms and comms cupboards are easy to forget. They are usually locked, rarely visited and full of equipment that runs day and night. That combination of heat, power and cabling makes them a fire risk worth managing properly, and your fire risk assessment should always include them. Why these spaces carry extra risk Constant […]
Fire Assembly Points: How to Choose and Manage Yours
When the fire alarm sounds, getting out is only half the job. People then need to gather somewhere safe so you can check everyone is accounted for. That place is your fire assembly point, and choosing it well makes a real difference to how smoothly an evacuation goes. What makes a good assembly point A […]
Mezzanine Floors and Fire Safety: What to Check
Mezzanine floors are a popular way to add space in warehouses, shops, workshops and offices without moving premises. They can work very well, but they change how a building behaves in a fire. People on a mezzanine are above the main floor, often with only one way down, and the space below can hide hazards. […]
Solar Panels on Commercial Roofs: What It Means for Fire Safety
Rooftop solar panels are becoming a familiar sight on Irish offices, warehouses, farms and schools. They are a sensible way to cut energy costs, but like any electrical installation, they bring some new things to think about for fire safety. The good news is that a well-installed, well-maintained system is a manageable risk, and your […]
Plant Rooms and Boiler Rooms: Keeping Fire Risk Under Control
Plant rooms and boiler rooms house some of the most important equipment in a building: boilers, pumps, electrical panels and sometimes fuel supplies. They are also among the spaces most often misused, usually as a handy place to store things. Keeping them clear and well managed is one of the simplest ways to cut fire […]