It’s week eight of lockdown and most of us continue to work from home although some businesses are still operating at their premises. The majority of companies are preparing to return their teams to work in accordance with government guidelines. If your office has been closed, you will need to start preparing now to implement extremely high levels of hygiene before you re-open for business. Companies will have to turn to paper towels and single-use cleaning cloths and sponges, not the office kitchen dishcloth and sponge! Do check on the product quality and alcohol content levels in sanitisers. A top tip is to buy all the items you will need to reopen your building and business NOW as stock of these items are generally low across all sectors. But it’s not just the lobby, kitchen areas, breakout rooms, offices and toilets that require attention. Consider your drinking water provisions including water coolers and hydration points in your workplace. Here are some best practice tips for water dispensers with filtration systems that have been idle during prolonged time periods. Rest assured we always carry out any maintenance services with the highest approach to sanitation, even more critical in this current virus pandemic. We work closely with our filtration partners to deliver the most advanced high spec filters made by experts.

3M FilterWater dispenser filters

If the cooler or water dispenser has been switched off or not used for a short time, up to 2 or 3 days, then the cartridge should be flushed with a minimum of 5 litres of water. This action will clear any bacteria that has built up as a result of term changes in temperature and light intensity which can affect water quality including taste and odour. If the machine has not been used for a period of 4 weeks or more then the filter cartridge should be replaced. Bacteria and toxins that could be harmful to consume will have multiplied during this prolonged period of non-use.

Reverse osmosis filters

It is recommended to run reverse osmosis systems every other day to keep the membranes primed and to ensure that any water in the tank is used to prevent bacteria build-up. Ensure that you sanitise the lines as frequently as possible and check the tank pressure as under-pressurised tanks can affect the performance of the system. If the equipment has not been used more than 4 weeks, the membranes should be replaced along with any pre- and post-filtration. During this time bacteria and toxins will have multiplied and could be harmful to consume, as well as affecting the taste and odour.

Sanitise your cooler regularly

It is essential to keep the outside of your cooler or dispenser clean. It only takes a minute with an antibacterial wipe to keep shared surfaces sanitised! Provide alcohol wipes and implement regular cleaning with anti-bac sprays to help minimise the spread of germs. It is recommended to regularly sanitise the mouth and water contact parts of your water dispenser (cooler or fountain), especially the tap mechanism, as well the mains pipes/lines where water can hold, to remove biofilm and other bacteria from the cooler system. Biofilm is organic matter that contains bacteria and can build up on the waster contact surfaces of both bottled and plumbed in coolers. Empty and clean the drip tray regularly. To prevent dirt building up and water leaking from your cooler, simply remove and empty the drip tray. It only takes a minute to do! [caption id="attachment_2825" align="aligncenter" width="420"]cooler sanitisation kit cooler sanitisation kit[/caption] Order filters and sanitisation kits We have filters and sani kits in stock so get ahead of the return to work rush and order products now. Our water filters can be ordered here: https://www.watercoolersdirect.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=80&q=water+filters+ Our cooler sani kits can be ordered here to help with this task: https://www.watercoolersdirect.com/pou-cooler-sanitisation-kit Our reverse osmosis filters can be ordered here: https://www.watercoolersdirect.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=+Reverse+osmosis+systems Also consider the number and location of your hydration stations. With social distancing mandatory you may wish to increase the number of coolers and dispensers available in your office to avoid gatherings and queues and provide adequate access for your team to keep hydrated and healthy. You can talk to our friendly sales team on 0800 7311 491 to seek the right cooler hygiene advice. If you would prefer one of our water specialists to attend site and ensure your equipment is fully sanitised and safe to use, we can arrange that for you. Although our HQ is closed, we are still fully operational with key support staff working remotely. Our warehouse remains open to fulfil customer orders operating in a safe and sensible manner. Please do keep checking the Government and NHS sites for the latest information and advice here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19