01 May 2024         Blogs

Legionella, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ Disease has for many, been a concern for those who manage, install and maintain water systems across various industries, particularly with high risk recirculating systems and healthcare settings. Training is a critical part of competence no matter whether it is an initial or a refresher course and it is critical to develop knowledge and skills continually.

In this in-depth exploration, we turn to Dan Sutherland, a Senior Water Systems & Legionella Trainer at Develop Training, a leading accredited provider of Compliance, Technical, and Safety training.

Understanding the threat of legionella

Legionella pneumophila sero-group 1, the species / strain mostly responsible for confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK, thrives in warm and moist environments, particularly in man-made water systems such as evaporative cooling systems, spa pools, old/complex hot water systems such as those that can be found within hospitals / large commercial buildings.

Dan emphasises the importance of recognising the potential risks associated with Legionella: Pneumonia can not only be fatal (more commonly where there is increased susceptibility) but there is increasing evidence that long term systems will be debilitating for many that recover.

Legislation / Industry Standards

Understanding and adhering to specific industry legislation is crucial for effectively managing Legionella. This is to ensure the safety of persons exposed to the systems. In the UK, there are several statutory / non-statutory legal documents and industry bodies / guides that govern the control and prevention of Legionella-related risks:

1. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides the foundational framework for workplace health and safety in the UK. Under this legislation, employers / anyone responsible for the workplace have a duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and non-employees, including protection against risks associated with Legionella.

2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002:

The COSHH Regulations place specific emphasis on substances and preparations that can pose a hazard to health in the workplace, and Legionella is one such substance. These regulations require employers to assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances, including the biological parasite Legionella.

3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999:

These regulations provide a framework for managing health and safety in the workplace. They require employers/persons in control of premises to conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments, adequately train their staff, plan for incidents, implement control measures, communicate and co-operate and regularly review and update their safety policies.

4. The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR):

RIDDOR requires employers and others, eg someone who has control of work premises, to report to the HSE, accidents and some diseases that arise out of or in connection with work. Legionellosis is a notifiable disease under certain circumstances.

5. The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations 1992 (NCTEC):

These Regulations require employers to notify the local authority, in writing, if they operate a wet cooling tower or evaporative condenser and include details about where they are located. The Regulations also require notification when such devices are no longer in use.

6. HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8: Legionnaires’ Disease: The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems and associated technical guidance documents

This book is aimed at dutyholders, including employers, those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others, to help them comply with their legal duties in relation to legionella. These include identifying and assessing sources of risk, preparing a scheme to prevent or control risk, implementing, managing and monitoring precautions, keeping records of precautions and appointing a manager to be responsible for others.

7. Legionella Control Association (LCA) Code of Conduct:

The Legionella Control Association (LCA) is a voluntary organisation whose membership comprises providers of services and products concerned with the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. The primary aim is to keep water systems safe and minimise the risk of cases of Legionnaires’ disease caused by poorly maintained systems. The LCA sets out an industry recognised Code of Conduct for legionella service providers and audit their management systems annually.  Adhering to the LCA Code of Conduct demonstrates a commitment to best practices and higher standards in Legionella management.

8. The Water Management Society

The Water Management Society (WMSoc) is a not-for-profit membership organisation that has been providing practical and technical training solutions to individuals and companies within the water management industry for over 50 years.

The object of the society is to promote the advancement of water management for the benefit of industry, commerce, the environment and the public. In furtherance of this object, but not otherwise:

• To promote the interchange of scientific information among persons interested in water management by means of meetings, lectures, demonstrations, discussions and publications as appropriate.
• To encourage education and training in water management.
• To co-operate with other bodies interested in water management, welfare and technology.

Dan emphasises,

Compliance with these regulations is not just a legal requirement but a fundamental step in ensuring the health and safety of individuals in workplaces. It provides a structured approach to Legionella management, from risk assessment to the implementation of control measures, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.”

In summary, a combination of statutory / non-statutory legislation and industry-specific standards form the regulatory landscape for Legionella management in the UK, providing a comprehensive framework for professionals in water systems management.

Legionella Risk Assessment:

Legionella risk assessment is a fundamental aspect of Legionella management, mandated by legal requirements such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The risk assessment process should involve a comprehensive evaluation of water systems and the way they are managed, identifying potential breeding grounds, susceptibility to infection and the culture of management. It should provide a structured understanding of the system, leading to the formulation of targeted control measures including temperature/chemical management, regular and appropriate maintenance and ensuring competency of those that work on systems. The report generated serves as a record of compliance and due diligence.

A proactive and ongoing process, Legionella risk assessment ensures the prevention of Legionnaires’ disease by regularly reviewing and updating control measures in response to evolving water system conditions.

Dan stresses the need for a systematic approach:

The law requires suitable and sufficient risk assessment. The assessor’s competence / their employer’s management systems / how well the risk assessment was prepared for before the day are each critical components. It should involve an assessment of records, a survey of the system and attempts made to verify the necessary competency is in place. Risk assessment is the first step for many and so poor risk assessment will lead to poor understanding and control going forward for some.  Conducting a thorough risk assessment is not only a legal requirement but also a proactive measure to identify potential hazards.”

Training for Legionella Management:

Ensuring employees are suitably qualified in the management of Legionella / implementation of controls, helps to safeguard public health as well as ensure compliance with stringent regulations. Specialised training is essential for effective Legionella management.

Dan explains,

Develop Training offer a range of Legionella / Water System courses from Awareness to Role of the Responsible Person, Risk Assessment and Water Regulations/Byelaws amongst others. Our aim is to empower learners with the knowledge and understanding they need for their role, to take the proactive measures needed to control Legionella”.

With so much to know and understand in this sector (where we touch on aspects including plumbing, legal requirements, water systems, water treatment and risk assessments etc)., Legionella training goes beyond theoretical knowledge. It equips learners with practical skills to manage risks / implement controls effectively. We all take new knowledge away from training no matter how experienced you are.

The full list of Water Systems & Legionella courses offered by Develop can be found here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/estates-and-facilities-management/water-systems-legionella/

Ongoing Legionella Monitoring and Control Measures:

Effective management of Legionella doesn’t end with a one-time risk assessment. Regular water testing, temperature checks, and maintenance of water systems are essential for preventing Legionella growth. Professionals must implement control measures and, importantly, revisit and update these measures regularly.

Information from Industry Bodies:

Industry Bodies such as the HSE, LCA and WMSoc are integral to organisations who want to stay updated on the latest developments in Legionella management and grow their knowledge base. Professionals are able to access valuable resources, stay informed about emerging trends and network with peers facing similar challenges.

The Future of Legionella Management:

As technology evolves, so do the tools available for Legionella management. Dan envisions a future where smart monitoring systems play a crucial role:

Automation and real-time monitoring could revolutionise Legionella management in the future and it is already is for some. Real time results, analysis and notification can only be a beneficial tool to aid control. Imagine a system that detects temperature variations or water quality issues instantly, allowing for swift intervention and prevention.”

Conclusion:

Managing Legionella is a complex and ongoing process that demands the expertise of trained professionals. Through specialised training, compliance with regulations, and a proactive approach to risk assessment and controls, individuals working in water systems can contribute to a safer environment.

As technology continues to advance, the future of Legionella management holds promising innovations, ensuring the ongoing battle against this persistent bacterium remains at the forefront of water system safety.

Contact us

If you have any questions, or require more information about the training offered by Develop, please contact our Customer Service team on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk

The full list of Water Systems & Legionella courses offered by Develop can be found here: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/training/estates-and-facilities-management/water-systems-legionella/

   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

14 March 2024     News

Say hello to Stuart Reilly, HV/LV Electrical Trainer

Introducing Stuart Reilly who has joined Develop as an HV/LV Electrical Trainer. 

Stuart began his career journey as an electrical apprentice at the age of 16, going on to amass over 30 years of experience in the electrical industry. His professional background includes working in various capacities, from NHS Trusts to building sites and contracting roles. 

Having been a former delegate of Develop Training, Stuart actively participated in several HV/LV courses, notably our Electrical Authorised Person courses. This training propelled him within the NHS Trust, where he assumed the crucial role of Authorised Person: Electrician. A pivotal moment in his career came when five hospital buildings lost power and, as the Authorised Person, it was down to him to resolve the issue and get the power turned back on. Thankfully Stuart was quickly able to resolve the issue and then over the following five weeks he painstakingly installed a range of tools and systems to ensure power incidents would not be an issue for the hospital again. 

After years of guiding apprentices in the electrical field, Stuart parted ways with the NHS and moved to a role focused on training apprentices at Oxford Advance Skills. Later on, he moved over to another training provider. However, seeking a role closer to home, Stuart has embraced the opportunity at Develop. 

Expressing his enthusiasm, Stuart said, “I’m happy, excited, and eager to get stuck in at Develop. As a former delegate, I know the quality Develop provides, and I am looking forward to being a part of the team!” 

A fun fact about Stuart – in his teenage years, he was an advanced snorkeler, although he couldn’t take the exams to become a trainer at the time because he was too young.  

Stuart moved out of London 8 years ago and married his now wife in August 2022. Since moving out of the big city Stuart has found enjoyment in fishing and spending time in the countryside. 

13 March 2024     News

In a remarkable journey from stockbroker to utilities trailblazer, Nicola Smith has shattered barriers and is now a vital member of Develop Training’s Internal Quality Assurance and Audit team. Her story is not just one of personal success but also an inspiration for aspiring female engineers to follow in her footsteps.

The Women’s Engineering Society’s latest data reveals that despite some progress, only 16.5% of the UK’s engineering workforce consists of women. The utilities industry tells the same sorry story, with the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership reporting that just 17% of employees in the energy and utilities industry are female, with fewer than 1% in the craft-level workforce. While these figures are an increase on previous years, it’s clear that there’s still much work to be done to achieve gender parity within these typically male-dominated industries.

Nicola’s journey stands as a beacon of hope for change

Nicola embarked on her journey with Develop in February 2017, where she started as a Lecturer in Smart Meter installation. Drawing on the skills she cultivated during her time as a hands-on installer, she quickly embraced her new role and has since transitioned to a vital position within the Internal Quality Assurance and Audit (QAA) team, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to the industry.

So, how did Nicola, a former stockbroker, end up in the realm of engineering and utilities?

Her trajectory reflects the timeless theme of personal growth and reinvention. Nicola recalls her initial entry into the workforce, where she started as a cashier with West Bromwich Building Society. However, she knew deep down that her path lay elsewhere, “It wasn’t really for me,” she admits. “But once you start moving along a particular career path, it’s difficult to get off it.”

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and personal growth, Nicola rapidly climbed the financial ladder, eventually becoming a stockbroker based in Canary Wharf. Despite her success, a lingering feeling that she was meant for something more led her to venture into retail banking and eventually she sought a complete career transformation.

Nicola’s innate curiosity and hands-on nature steered her toward engineering, and an apprenticeship opportunity at British Gas provided the perfect avenue for her to make the leap.

Gender roles in engineering & utilities

Breaking gender norms, Nicola became the sole female Engineer in her area. While her experience was largely positive, she notes that misconceptions about gender roles in engineering still persist.

Right up until the day I left, customers would say ‘but when will the engineer be here?’ and I’d have to explain that I was the engineer.”

Nicola’s determination to challenge these preconceptions, combined with her passion for learning and development, led her to her current role as an Internal Quality Assurance Auditor.

She explains, “I’ve discovered my real passion working at Develop. I’ve been able to learn and do things I never imagined I could. Going from being a stockbroker to a Quality Assurance Auditor has been really rewarding, and I can honestly say I’m happier in this job than ever before.”

“I would encourage all women to consider a career in the training industry. It’s an industry that welcomes diversity and fresh perspectives, and there’s a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Don’t be afraid to break those barriers, challenge the norms, and join us in shaping the future of training in the utilities industry.”

A supportive employer

Now, as part of Develop’s QAA Team, Nicola is responsible for auditing a wide range of gas and utilities-based training courses. This means that she’s involved in checking everything from pre-course communications and materials a delegate receives, to the content of the training course itself all the way through to the assessments and certification. The role carries a high weight of responsibility as if an External Quality Assurance Audit takes place and finds that the organisation is not meeting the standards set by the external Awarding Body then this could mean that Develop is no longer able to offer the qualifications.

Nicola elaborates on why she enjoys working for Develop,

Develop has been more than just a workplace for me; it’s a fantastic support system. They’ve not only supported my career growth but have also been incredibly understanding of my personal circumstances, including maternity and the need for flexible working around family life. Their support has given me the confidence excel in my different roles while still having a good balance between work and family.”

Nicola’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of determination, resilience, and a passion for breaking down barriers. As she continues to make her mark, she paves the way for more women to follow suit, inspiring change and progress in an industry that sorely needs it. Her story is a testament to the fact that, with the right mindset and opportunities, individuals can defy convention and excel in any field, regardless of gender or background.

To find out more about the QAA Team, please visit: https://www.developtraining.co.uk/quality-assurance/

   Case Studies

The Background

HS2 is Great Britain’s new high-speed railway. Once operational, HS2’s British-built bullet trains will provide zero-carbon journeys between the UK’s two largest cities, Birmingham and London.

The HS2 London tunnels team is a joint venture of Skanska, Costain and STRABAG.  The joint venture is delivering the High Speed Two (HS2) Main Works Civil Contract in London, between West Ruislip and Euston.

Joanne Green is the Head of Training and Onboarding for SCS Joint Venture (SCS JV).

The Challenge

SCS JV did not have a training management system before Joanne Green was asked to step in and help. For the first two years of the SCS JV project, the training needs of staff were managed via spreadsheets. While this approach might suffice for smaller businesses, the sheer volume of staff involved in the SCS project made it highly impractical.

When Jo Green was invited to join the project, there were no established training processes, and training records were scattered without a centralised repository. This lack of organisation made it challenging for line managers to determine which staff members required training or identify if mandatory training was up to date.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Jo recognised the need to avoid reinventing the wheel, she had previously collaborated with Develop during her work with tRIIo, therefore swiftly implemented a solution she was familiar with.

The Solution

Jo’s pre-existing collaboration with Develop granted her insight into the extensive array of features offered by Develop’s Learning & Assessment Portal (LAP) known as ‘BookIT.’ Recognising the unparalleled flexibility of ‘BookIT,’ which surpasses the capabilities of many off-the-shelf systems, Jo leveraged her knowledge to the benefit of SCS.

Ben Jobson, IT Business Partner at Develop, collaborated closely with Jo, ensuring that all her requirements were meticulously addressed, and the system was user-friendly for line managers.

Ben said –

It’s been a great experience working with Joanne again, this time to customise BookIT for the SCS JV. We feel really proud at the way BookIT has been embraced by SCS and the positive impact it has had for them. We look forward to continuing our journey with the project and further enhancing BookIT in line with their changing needs.

BookIT, although initially designed for training purposes, has transcended its original scope. It is now integral to various aspects of SCS operations, including workforce planning, recruitment, headcount management, redeployment, and even annual talent management initiatives.

“I had a fantastic working relationship with the Develop team in my previous role and the BookIT system worked really well for our business. I had no hesitation in recommending Develop and BookIT to SCS and, once again, the team have been accommodating to our requests and have been able to provide incredible functionality that we just wouldn’t be able to get with an ‘off-the-shelf’ piece of training management software.” Joanne Green, Head of Training and Onboarding, Skanska Costain STRABAG (SCS JV)

7 March 2024     News

A warm welcome to Derby-based Sales Advisor, Sophie Mlot

Introducing Sophie Mlot, the latest addition to Develop’s sales team in the role of Sales Advisor, where she will be working alongside Daniel Laird. 

Sophie’s professional journey commenced in the retail sector, starting at Showcase Cinema in Derby and steadily progressing to the position of team leader. Transitioning to her first sales role, she joined a local talent agency, where her responsibilities spanned event planning, telesales, and outbound sales. While she found the diverse tasks enjoyable, the inherent stress led her to make the decision to move on. Returning to the retail realm, Sophie assumed the role of manager at the bakery chain, Greggs. 

Excited to re-enter the sales profession, Sophie found the ideal opportunity at Develop. Her responsibilities include handling customer enquiries via email, telephone, and live chat. 

Reflecting on her first week at Develop, Sophie expressed, “I’m really enjoying Develop so far; everyone has been so welcoming and patient when teaching me. I’m really looking forward to the future here and I can’t wait to start speaking to customers.” 

Beyond her professional life, Sophie has a passion for music and can also play the piano. Outside of work, she shares a love for travel, exploring new destinations each year. 

6 March 2024     News

Zahir Uddin joins Develop as an Electrical Trainer

Introducing Zahir (Zed) Uddin, the newest member of Develop’s Estates and Facilities Management team based in York. 

Zed has joined the team as an Electrical Trainer, but he began his professional journey several years ago as an Engineering Apprentice at Harrisons Engineering. Over the years, he has acquired certifications in gas, electricity, plumbing, and, more recently, a number of technical qualifications in renewable energies such as solar PV, air source and ground source heat pumps, and battery storage systems. 

As he moved up the ranks, Zed found the most fulfilment in mentoring his young colleagues, offering them the valuable advice and guidance he once received as a junior staff member. Eventually he felt a calling to impart his knowledge on a broader scale, prompting him to establish his own training business. 

Devoted to ensuring high-quality training for the industry, Zed ran his courses from a training centre in Huddersfield, whilst also working with Develop as an associate self-employed trainer. It was this exposure to Develop’s values, training standards, and opportunities motivated him to pursue a full-time position with the company when one became available.  

Outside work, Zed holds qualifications as a bodyguard and bouncer. His experiences range from managing club doors to safeguarding prominent figures in the music industry, and even Queen Elizabeth II. He also enjoys spending time with his family, particularly family holidays. 

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

04 March 2024     News

At Develop, we understand the importance of continuous learning and professional development for those working in healthcare and the NHS.

We recognise the investment you make in training, and as a thank you, we’re excited to announce an exclusive offer to help you stretch your training budget even further. For the months of March, April, and May, we’re extending a 10% discount on our entire range of open programme and bespoke training courses to those working in the NHS.

To claim this discount, all you need to do is book your preferred training course before 31st May 2024. The best part? The course itself can take place at any time throughout the rest of the year, offering you the flexibility to choose a course that suits your needs (subject to availability).

How to claim the discount

Step 1: Browse our website to find the course you require.

Step 2: When you’re ready to book, contact us on 0800 876 6708 or email enquiries@developtraining.co.uk.

Quote “NHS10” to receive the discount.

Online booking not available with this code.

Full T&C’s available here.