11 Moreton RD

Procedure for flushing infrequently used outlets
The water systems at St Clare’s Oxford are regularly maintained and are operated at temperatures to provide conditions that prevent the growth of bacteria that causes legionnaires disease. However, there is a possibility that the bacteria might start to grow in parts of the water system when not used regularly. If this does happen it is most likely to occur in water which has been in the pipes immediately leading to shower heads or any unused outlets, since these are off the main system through which water is constantly being circulated.
Regular flushing through on a weekly basis should ensure that any contamination that might occur is kept at a low level.

Important information.
When flushing showerheads and taps that have not been used for seven days or more it is the first quantity of water that might be contaminated. Once this water has been run through the risk is minimal. Therefore, it is the first 30 seconds to 1 minute when the risk is greatest, and it is essential that you avoid contact with spray from outlets during this first flush through.

Should problems occur during flushing?
When flushing or purging outlets, any difficulties or problems encountered should be noted in the comments/action section – on this flushing inspection that you are about to carry out and passed on to the maintenance foreman for a job to be raised for the outlet concerned (then the appropriate action can be taken).

Instructions on carrying out flushing procedures,

showers
run water from the hot and cold supplies or warm if a single mixer taps, through the showerhead for five minutes if not in use for a period of seven days. Showerheads are designed to produce a spray, which is why they should be run through a bucket of water so that no spray escapes into the atmosphere. In absence of a bucket of water take the showerhead off of the bracket, and if possible, lay it in the bath or shower tray before turning the taps on very slowly so that water flows gently out of it. If this is not possible point it into the base of the shower tray or bar. After one minute, the flow rate can be increased if the showerhead is fixed showerhead, run the shower very slowly one minute then increase the flow for a further four minutes.

Taps
run the water from the hot and cold supplies, and warm if a single mixer taps, through taps for five minutes, if not in use for a seven-day period. The water should be run slowly to avoid spray for one minute and can then run faster for further four minutes.

Outside taps
run water from outside taps for five minutes if not in use for a seven-day period. The water should be run slowly to avoid spray for one minute and then can be run faster for a further four minutes. This should be done without the hosepipe attached (hosepipes must never be left attached and should always be stored away until they are needed).

If you have any issues with outlets when carrying out this flushing inspection, please note or take a photo along side outlet section.

Please take the temperature of one cold outlet with in this house. Run the outlet for 2 minutes before taking the reading. Then Add a action photo to that tap to show your reading with a note of temperature below.

Please take the temperature of one hot outlet with in this house. Run the outlet for 2 minutes before taking the reading. Then Add a action photo to that tap to show your reading with a note of temperature below.

Workshop

Maintenance Staff WC

Please take the temperature of one cold outlet with in this house. Run the outlet for 2 minutes before taking the reading.

Please take the temperature of one hot outlet with in this house. Run the outlet for 2 minutes before taking the reading.

Please sign below to complete this flushing program