Ensuring Legionella Compliance and Water Hygiene in bpha Properties
Introduction
bpha is a housing association that has a strong presence in Bedford but also operating in Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire, managing 20,000 homes. Its mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing while fostering community connections. To uphold water hygiene standards and ensure Legionella compliance, bpha sought a specialist contractor via the CHIC Risk Assessments Framework.
In 2022, Total Environmental Compliance Ltd (TEC) was appointed to deliver a comprehensive programme of water hygiene compliance services, Legionella risk assessments and remedial works across 112 bpha properties. The contract was valued at £244,000 over a two-year period. bpha’s key priorities for this contract included improving service levels, increasing property access rates and securing a cost-effective solution. Additionally, the contract required swift mobilisation within three weeks.
The Project
TEC deployed a structured and thorough mobilisation plan to ensure a smooth transition. A dedicated Contract Manager and support team were appointed to oversee the process. The team collected and reviewed asset information, site contacts and existing Legionella risk assessments to gain a clear understanding of the scope of work. Resource and scheduling discussions were held to optimise contract delivery and ensure all tasks were efficiently planned.
To streamline operations, job tasks and visit schedules were integrated into simPRO, a field service management software. TEC also completed training on bpha’s CAFM system, Asprey, to align workflows seamlessly. Before the contract commencement, TEC prepared all necessary risk assessments and method statements, ensuring full compliance with safety regulations.
Communication with tenants and staff was a key priority. bpha issued introductory letters to staff and tenants, while TEC generated visit notifications for bpha tenants to inform them of scheduled inspections and works. Pre-start meetings were held to address any access challenges within the property portfolio, ensuring minimal disruptions during service delivery. A final review meeting validated all processes, data and information before officially launching the contract.
Following a successful two-year contract, TEC has been awarded a further two-year renewal with bpha, demonstrating the high-quality service delivered. TEC continues to provide additional social value by funding Christmas food hampers for vulnerable residents and offering Legionella awareness training to bpha caretakers and site managers. bpha employees also gain access to TEC’s Online Training Portal for a Basic Legionella Management course.
Results
The collaboration between bpha and TEC has led to significant improvements in Legionella compliance and water hygiene services. By enhancing communication, streamlining property access and implementing rigorous safeguarding policies, TEC has met bpha’s requirements effectively.
The contract’s success has reinforced the strength of TEC’s partnership with bpha, leading to its renewal and further opportunities to contribute to bpha’s community initiatives.
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