13 April 2020
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Many businesses are closed, but when they reopen there could be danger from stale water in pipework
Units idle during pandemic may create risk later on
There are potential health risks associated with water-fed equipment that have been left idle during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Euro Refrigeration Limited, who also operate Ice Water, Ireland’s leading provider of premium filtered water. Such systems include ice making machines, filtered water systems and water refill stations. They are present in many locations across Ireland, including schools, pubs and hotels and due to the current widespread closures they are temporarily not in use.
If water-fed equipment has been idle for a period of fourteen days or more, the build-up of stagnated water has the high potential to create areas of health risk, including the growth of bacteria and viral infections, once they come back into use. Anyone who consumes water or ice from a contaminated machine can be at risk.
Euro Refrigeration Limited is advising users with water fed equipment at their locations, that has not been used in the last twelve days, that they should be properly decommissioned, in line with health regulations.
The decommissioning process is relatively simple and involves all water being drained, followed by a complete sanitation of the system with a chlorine-based product.
Peter Wynne, Managing Director of Euro Refrigeration Limited said: “With many businesses, schools and offices closed for the foreseeable future, it essential to decommission water fed equipment to avoid a build-up of bacteria and viruses during this period. As a preventative measure, our engineers will be carrying out decommissions in the coming weeks to avoid any potential health issues. We currently have hundreds of machines rented to various sectors and will of course be decommissioning all of this equipment at no cost to our customers.”
Peter Wynne added: “We would urge customers to arrange for all equipment to be decommissioned. Once this process is complete, the machines will be ready for immediate use once the restrictions have been lifted. We will also issue the appropriate certification that can be produced in the event of an inspection when businesses and other organisations return to normal.”
