BEAMA has launched a new Water Safety and Hygiene group, incorporating the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association.
BEAMA is expanding its product scope and committing to a comprehensive approach to promoting water safety and hygiene in non-domestic buildings, to ensure best practice is considered across the whole water distribution system.

This new group will advise on best practice installation, use and maintenance of products that improve safety and hygiene for water systems. In addition to TMVs, the product scope now includes taps and showers, backflow prevention devices, and balancing, isolating and pressure reducing valves.

In addition, CPD training is now being developed, adding to the group's ongoing activities that include online technical advice, engagement with a range of public and industry bodies, such as the Department of Health and WRAS, and development of best practice guides. The group intends to continue a regular exchange of expertise with a wide range of stakeholders.

The progression to the newly-named group was announced at the Combating Legionella conference held on 18 September in Birmingham. At the event, BEAMA also reminded over 150 conference delegates that TMVs prevent scalding by blending hot water (stored and circulated at 60°C or above to combat bacteria such as Legionella) with cold water to ensure a safe temperature for handwashing and bathing.

The use of TMVs is recommended in Building Regulations Part G as well as official guidance for healthcare and other public buildings, and BEAMA has a significant ongoing role in the development of key UK and European guidance and standards through its members' technical expertise.

However, BEAMA members understand there is no 'silver bullet' for ensuring safety and hygiene of water systems, and TMVs are one of a number of important products in this area. By widening its scope, the group will continue to promote ever-improved solutions.

BEAMA is inviting all manufacturers, public bodies and associations to engage with this new group to promote best practice for water safety and hygiene.

For more information visit the BEAMA website at www.beama.org.uk, email simon.harpin@beama.org.uk or call 020 7793 3000. To download a BEAMA Water Safety & Hygiene information sheet go to http://bit.ly/1facfUJ