01 April 2024         Blogs

Waterborne diseases pose a significant threat to public health, and among them, Legionnaires’ Disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness. Legionella, the bacteria responsible for causing a potentially severe form of respiratory infection can thrive in various water systems. Therefore, all organisations need to be sure that they meet the relevant HSE guidelines to effectively manage the risks.

Legionella bacteria are found in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems and will multiply when temperatures are between 25° and 45°C. When contaminated water droplets are inhaled, individuals can contract Legionnaires’ disease, leading to pneumonia-like symptoms. To effectively manage Legionella, it’s crucial to first understand its habits and potential breeding grounds.

If you are an employer, self-employed or someone in control of premises, it is important that you understand and mitigate the risks associated with Legionella. You are principally responsible for the health and safety of anyone affected (unless otherwise agreed through a contractual arrangement for legionella) and should take the necessary precautions to reduce the chances of exposure to the disease.

Here are some ways that you can do that:

Identify Environments At-Risk of Legionella

Legionella thrives in stagnant or warm water, making cooling towers, spa pools and hot water systems common breeding grounds. Additionally, places like hospitals and long-term care facilities, where individuals may have compromised immune systems, are at higher risk. Identifying and regularly monitoring these environments is crucial in preventing Legionella outbreaks.

Temperature Control

The primary method used to manage Legionella is to operate water services at temperatures inhospitable for the bacteria. Hot water cylinders should therefore store water at 60°C minimum, and distribute at no less than 50°C within one minute. Cold water should be stored at less than 20°C and distributed at less than 20°C within two minutes.

However, a recent update to Part L of Building Regulations (Conservation & Power) now emphasises that for newly installed or refurbed heating systems, heating system flow temperatures should not exceed 55°C, and ideally, they should be kept below this threshold.

While this change brings about several advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, it also introduces a new consideration for those that manage secondary hot water systems heated by them — the increased risk of Legionella bacteria formation in hot water systems due to decreased hot water flow, return and distribution temperatures.

You can find out more about these changes here.

Routine Checks

A routine inspection and clean is an obvious, but important part of preventing Legionella. If necessary, periodic water samples should be analysed. How often depends on the system and the outcome of any risk assessment. Further guidance can be found here on the HSE’s website.

Flush the Pipes

Legionella can multiply in hot and cold water systems. Stagnant water attracts Legionella growth, so ensuring all dead ends are removed and all outlets are flushed out at least weekly, will help to reduce the risk.

System Design

When designing hot and cold water systems, pre-empt the risks of Legionella by keeping pipe-work as short as possible, include adequate insulation and minimise heat gain/thermal transfer from pipes. Contamination should also be prevented i.e. tanks to be fit with lids, insect screens where pipes are open to the environment and control the risks of backflow
For a more in-depth overview, please visit the HSE website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/legionella.htm

In conclusion

As a business, the best way to ensure you are fulfilling your duties and managing the risk effectively is to ensure people responsible for managing systems and implementing controls are appropriately trained and receive regular refresher training.

Develop Training offer a number of Legionella courses including,

Legionella & ACOP L8 Awareness

Legionella: Role of the Responsible Person / Duty Holder / Landlord

Management of Legionella Bacteria in Hot & Cold Water Systems

Legionella Risk Assessment of Hot & Cold Water Systems

To view the full list of available Water Systems & Legionella training offered by Develop, click here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/estates-and-facilities-management/water-systems-legionella/

Contact us

If you have any questions or are unsure which training course is right for you, please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

20  February 2024     News

Following a £500k refurbishment at its Derby training centre last year, Develop is proud to unveil its latest enhancement – an upgraded water networks training area. The Derby training centre, widely renowned as as centre of excellence for utility training in the Midlands, was strategically chosen for its central location and accessibility, and is now equipped with the latest technology and a secure practical training area for delegates to safely refine their skills and practice real-world scenarios in water networks management.

The inaugural course, a 5-day Network Construction Operations Water Level 2 Service Laying programme, concluded last week and was expertly led by Develop Associate, Mick Reading.

Training activities that the facilities can cover include:

• Live main laying techniques; able to configure multiple design configurations due to multi-valve set ups.
• Live service laying techniques
• Live valve training
• Small live flushing exercises
• Under pressure drilling, using talbot drill and now with the multi fit self-tapping ferrule for use on Ductile iron and Cast Iron mains. This new method provides a simple and easy way to connect service pipes to differing main sizes
• Flushing activities
• Mains commissioning including chlorination and pressure testing.

Commenting on the new facilities, Daryll Garavan, Interim Head of Operations & Training, stated,

We are thrilled to introduce these new and improved water networks training facilities, setting a new standard for professional development in the utilities industry. As the demand for skilled professionals in water networks maintenance continues to grow, Develop remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality utility training to the majority of the UK’s leading water suppliers.”

This latest investment in its utility training infrastructure underscores Develop’s continual commitment to the development of a highly skilled water networks workforce. The aim is to equip professionals to tackle the evolving challenges in water networks management and maintenance effectively, and Develop is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of utility training, meeting the increasing demands of the industry and ensuring the highest standards of excellence.

For more information about the utility training courses available at Develop, please visit our website: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities/

   05 March 2024         Blogs

In the vast expanse of the Antarctic wilderness, where isolation and extreme conditions are the norm, a small group of individuals stands out as unsung heroes. They are the maintenance technicians responsible for maintaining the sewage treatment plant at Rothera Research Station, a vital outpost managed by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). These individuals endure the harshest of living conditions, with winter temperatures plunging to bone-chilling levels and the sun barely making an appearance. Yet these dedicated individuals are the silent guardians ensuring the station’s smooth operation and the preservation of the pristine Antarctic environment.

The Polar Regions may be at the ends of the Earth but what happens there affects us all. The BAS is a Government backed initiative and their vision is to be a world-leading centre for polar science and polar operations, addressing issues of global importance and helping society adapt to a changing world.

Home to around 20 individuals during the long winter months and swelling to almost 100 in the summer, the Rothera Research Station is both a centre for groundbreaking science and a testament to the tenacity of its staff. Long-term science projects, international collaboration, and supporting deep-field operations are all part of Rothera’s mission. The unsung heroes who choose to spend their time at Rothera endure extreme conditions, separation from family and friends, and the challenges of isolation.

Sewage maintenance in the Arctic Circle

Key to this mission is the team responsible for maintaining the sewage treatment plant, a crucial part of the station’s infrastructure. It is a task that demands unwavering commitment and expertise. This is where Develop Training’s British Water Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance course comes into play.

Every year, the BAS sends 1-2 of their maintenance technicians’ to Develop’s Derby centre to participate in this training programme. The course covers an array of topics, from understanding different sewage treatment plant types to diagnosing and rectifying common faults. This training is not merely a matter of compliance but an absolute necessity for those working in the Antarctic environment. The sewage treatment plant is not only an integral part of the station’s infrastructure, it is critical in preventing pollution and safeguarding the Antarctic ecosystem – a vital component of BAS’s environmental responsibility.

A critical part of infrastructure

The course equips BAS technicians with the knowledge and skills to tackle the complexities of wastewater treatment. They alone ensure that the sewage treatment plant operates effectively, even in the harshest of conditions.

As Rothera transforms from a remote outpost to a hub of scientific exploration each summer, the technical staff’s ability to ensure the smooth running of the sewage treatment plant becomes even more critical. These sewage saviours aren’t just keeping the toilets flushing, they’re quite literally providing the support that enables scientists to conduct studies that expand our understanding of the Antarctic environment and its global impact.

They might not wear capes, but they’ve earned their status as the unsung heroes of the Antarctic!

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our waste water and environmental training then please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

Alternatively, you can view the full range of available courses here: www.developtraining.co.uk/training/utilities/water-utility

14 February 2024     News

Calling all those who work in drainage & wastewater: join a live panel discussion between WJA, WinCan & Develop Training on the latest industry updates.

Develop Training, in partnership with the Water Jetting Association (WJA) and WinCan, will be hosting a live panel discussion on Friday 15^th March at 11am.

An unmissable opportunity for those working in drainage & wastewater

During the webinar you can expect to hear all about:

• The WJA’s latest Code of Practice, ‘Purple Code’. This CoP will support safe and productive water jetting in the lowest of the NACE pressure bands. It introduces a new operational standard and health & safety framework.
• The latest sewer inspection technology.
• Updates to sewer classifications.
• Changes to the expiration of MSCC4.
• Training requirements and available courses.

This interactive session will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the evolving landscape of the industry and the implications of the latest changes on businesses. Participants will be able to pose questions directly to the panel at the end of the session.

The experts

Our panel of experts are:

• Danny Connor, Utilities Trainer at Develop Training
• Tony King, Associate Trainer at Develop Training
• Gordon Taylor, Technical Manager at Water Jetting Association
• Paul Woodhouse, WinCan Europe Managing Director

To ensure your spot in this informative discussion, please click this link to register your attendance: https://resources.developtraining.co.uk/water-jetting-sewer-classifications-webinar

Even if you are unable to attend the live event, registering will still prove valuable as Develop will send out a recording of the webinar afterward to all registrants.

Don’t miss out on the chance to stay ahead of industry developments and make informed decisions for your business. Secure your place now by registering for this exclusive panel discussion.

   11 August 2023         News

Last week, our York centre welcomed a group of delegates eager to dive into the world of high-pressure water jetting. Training Terrace served as the ideal setting for this immersive training experience; with a focus on practical learning, the facility provides the perfect environment for delegates to safely familiarise themselves with high-pressure water jetting equipment and techniques.

Under the guidance of our experienced water jetting trainer, Danny Connor, the delegates began their two-day Water Jetting Safety Awareness and Drain & Sewer Cleaning training course by covering the theoretical side of safety awareness. Day 2 is where the fun really began as the group headed outside to conduct a thorough inspection of the high-pressure water jetting equipment. Together, they meticulously examined every component, from nozzles to pumps. This collaborative and methodical exercise helps to instill the importance of attention to detail and the precise approach required in high-pressure water jetting.

Following this, Danny showcased the use of the jetting units controls. He then demonstrated the use of the hose and nozzles in the transparent tube attached to the water jetter trailer, allowing the delegates to visually observe the efficiency and effect of the nozzles in action, whilst instructing them on proper hose manipulation and technique. Delegates then paired up, taking turns to operate the high-pressure water jetting equipment.

Danny’s guidance ensured that each pair showcased their ability to handle the hose and control the jetter accurately. This practical session not only honed technical skills but also emphasised teamwork and effective communication.

Safe working practices in high-pressure water jetting

Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, the delegates left Training Terrace with a heightened awareness of safe working practices in high-pressure water jetting. The comprehensive training experience also prepared them to recognise potential risks, make informed decisions, and handle the equipment responsibly.

As they return to their roles, they carry with them the confidence and competence needed to tackle high-pressure water jetting tasks while prioritising safety. Their employer can also rest assured that their employees have received training that is certificated by the Water Jetting Association (WJA), and run in accordance with their Code of Practice and fully accredited by City & Guilds.

Moreover, Training Terrace provided a risk-free learning space, allowing the group to learn from any mistakes made during training without adverse consequences.

The dangers of high pressure water jetting

High pressure water jetting can be extremely dangerous. It is therefore essential that all those expected to use this type of equipment receive appropriate and adequate training in accordance with the Water Jetting Association’s (WJA) Code of Practice.

The courses offered by Develop Training are Certificated by the WJA, run in accordance with their Code of Practice and fully accredited by City & Guilds.

Some of the risks associated with high pressure water jetting include:

• the high pressure water jet may pierce the skin or cause injury
• loud noise exposure
• slip, trip and fall hazards
• electric shock
• contaminated material may be injected into the body
• flying debris may cause injury
• out of control equipment such as a flailing hose, an out of control nozzle, or a separated hose coupling may cause injury

High pressure water jetting training

High pressure water jetting is increasingly used in construction and maintenance for a range of tasks, including surface cleaning, drain and sewer cleaning, material cutting and hydro-demolition. All councils, insurance companies, water utilities and major contractors demand that staff have the correct training and hold valid certificates. However, more importantly it is essential that staff have a strong awareness and appreciation of safe working practices in order to maintain their own personal health and safety and that of those around them.

Develop Training offer the following water jetting and sewer maintenance training courses:

Water Jetting Safety Awareness and Drain & Sewer Cleaning

Water Jetting Safety Awareness – Refresher

Pipe Sewer Condition Conversion to MSCC5

Water Jetting Pressure Washer

Utility SHEA – Drains and Sewers

Pipe Sewer Condition Classification to MSCC5

Pipe Sewer Condition Classification to MSCC5 – Refresher

Brick Sewer Condition Classification to MSCC5

Pipe Sewer Classification to HADDMS CD535 & CS551

CCTV Inspection – Drain & Sewer Practical Camera Inspections

The courses offered by Develop Training are certificated by the WJA, run in accordance with their Code of Practice and fully accredited by City & Guilds. Many of them can  also be run as blended learning programmes, or via Virtual Classroom.

To find out more, please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

Interested in finding out more about Training Terrace? Visit our dedicated Training Terrace web page and take a walk through the facilities on offer

   22 June 2022         News

Certification body, CompEx, has worked with Southampton-based training provider, The Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA), and a local major cruise line company to develop a new module for the maritime industry, which is now available for bookings.

The new qualification aims to support the sector with the transition from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The qualification covers the requirements set out in the standards IEC 60079:14, IEC 60079:17, IEC 60092-502 and the IGF Code. The new five-day course is suitable for engineers and technicians who are responsible for the maintenance and inspection of electrical systems and instrumentation within hazardous areas onboard vessels. This includes cruise lines, bulk carriers, general cargo, containers and tankers, which are powered with gas or low flashpoint fuels such as LNG.

To complete the course, both a practical assessment and a multi-choice examination is undertaken by learners. Successful candidates will understand the key protection concepts, regulations, codes, standards, and identify hazards specific to LNG.

Huw Bement, Director of CompEx, said: “Compared to HFO, the use of LNG allows substantial reductions in regulated emissions and carbon dioxide. In terms of ignition risk, LNG is significantly more challenging than more stable HFOs. To address this, CompEx has worked with SETA to pilot the course with a major cruise line company to ensure there is a new qualification in place specifically to support with the ongoing transition to LNG in the maritime sector.

This new course is a great way of providing both engineers and technicians who work within hazardous areas onboard marine vessels with the awareness and understanding of working with LNG. As the course is now available for bookings, we are thrilled to be able to welcome candidates to register their interest and sign up for the module.”

Russ James, Sales Manager at SETA said: “The development of the CompEx Maritime Course has taken a lot of hard work to ensure that the elements within it are right for the sector. As a consequence, we are proud to be able to say that SETA is the first CompEx Centre in the world to deliver the CompEx Maritime course, MTEx01-MTEx04 Maritime Fuels.

Southampton is the UK’s busiest cruise port and plays host to the UKs most productive container terminal; so not only are we well positioned at the heart of The Solent economy with exciting local developments within the Marine sector, but geographically accessible for international learners.”

Russ added “We are pleased to be at the vanguard of supporting businesses who will be working with LNG, helping to assist with the Net Zero commitment in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat global warming.”

Candidates who successfully complete the course will receive an internationally recognised CompEx Certificate in Core Competence.

How to book this new maritime industry course

Visit the CompEx website for further information on the module and to sign up. Bookings for the next available course can be made directly with The Southampton Engineering Training Association or contact CompEx.

   11 October 2021         News

The UK’s leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical and Safety training has won the prestigious ‘Training Organisation of the Year’ award at the esteemed Institute of Water President’s Dinner and Awards.

The event was held at Boathouse 7 in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard and was packed to the gunnels for the event. The 2021 Annual Conference and Awards, shines a spotlight on successful collaboration in the sector and showcases the very best people, projects, and processes that the sector has to offer.

Phil Beach, CBE, Chief Executive of Energy & Utility Skills presented the awards for Skills and Training, Phil said:

“I am delighted to have presented the Energy & Utility Skills Awards at this year’s event, recognising those companies and individuals who value their people highly and ensure skills and diversity remain an important focus.

Their achievements promote a resilient, skilled, diverse, and sustainable workforce and encourage better long-term outcomes for their organisation, the sector and wider society. Congratulations to all this year’s winners.”

Develop have been instrumental in a training revolution within the water sector

The award win demonstrates how Develop have been instrumental in a training revolution within sector, especially important during the pandemic. With the launch of the first truly blended training course of its kind in the sector, Develop have worked closely with companies from all areas of the utility sector to ensure courses are developed to fit market needs and demands both now and in the future.

National recognition

Following the win, Managing Director of Develop Training John Kerr said “To have received national recognition at such renowned awards for our training is overwhelming for the whole team. They all work tirelessly to create solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations, and this accolade is testament to them all.”

He added “We would also like to thank Energy & Utility Skills and The Institute of Water for the award and for all the work they do for the sector”.

   29 April 2021         News

Developed by Energy & Utility Skills in partnership with the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC), the new Safety Health and Environmental Awareness (SHEA) Drains and Sewers training programme is designed for anyone in the drainage sector from front line operators through to supervisors and managers.

SHEA Drains & Sewers

This scheme represents an important landmark in the development of drainage contracting as a professionally trained, managed and delivered service and will also be adopted as a compulsory qualification for all NADC members in due course.

As with all schemes in Energy & Utility Skills’ SHEA portfolio, the new SHEA Drains and Sewers scheme is partnered with CSCS, giving the cardholder access to operational sites.

Compliments existing SHEA training

The new training programme complements the existing SHEA schemes already in place for water, power, gas, waste and resource management, telecommunications and cross-country pipelines, making a complete set for the utilities sector.

EUSR registration reduces duplication of training

Registration on EUSR reduces duplication of training for individuals working across multiple sites, saving them and their employers time and money. It is also quick and easy to become registered for any of the other SHEA schemes as the core content is the same and it just requires training on the additional industry contextualised module.

Further information is available here.

Available as in-classroom or virtual course

Develop Training offer the SHEA Drains & Sewers training programme either as an in-classroom training course, delivered at one of our UK-wide centres, or as a virtual classroom course delivered via Zoom/Teams.

About the SHEA Drains & Sewers Scheme

The SHEA Drains and Sewers scheme comprises of eight modules. Six modules are ‘core’ modules and are relevant for all utility industries and support workplace practice in relation to health, safety and environmental law. Two modules provide the drainage and sewerage industry specific content.  It is designed to provide evidence that an individual has demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge, understanding and behavioural awareness.

Individuals must complete all eight modules and pass the SHEA Drains and Sewers assessment to gain EUSR SHEA Drains and Sewers registration.

It is an Energy & Utility Skills Passport scheme and does not indicate any level of technical competence or skilled expertise.

EUSR registration for SHEA Drains and Sewers is for three years from the date of assessment.