LEADING THE CHARGE IN WATER SAFETY: SMS ENVIRONMENTAL’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE AND COMPLIANCE WITH NETB 2024/3

Before the recent standards were established, SMS Environmental had already earned recognition as an EUSR trainer, delivering vital National Water Hygiene training to its water engineers. Ensuring water safety by identifying and avoiding contamination risks  is paramount in public sector environments, and essential in augmented care settings. This commitment aligns seamlessly with our core value of ‘Excellence as an Attitude’.

The recent NHS Estates Technical Bulletin NETB 2024/3 highlights the critical need for rigorous training and the competency of professionals working with water systems, particularly where vulnerable users of water may be at risk if exposed to emerging waterborne pathogens of concern, such as the multidrug resistant Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). SMS Environmental identified the importance that training such as the National Water Hygiene (Blue Card) qualification held long before it was specified in any waterborne pathogen standards or guidance, distinguishing us from many competitors.

Understanding the New Standards

The NHS Estates Technical Bulletin (NETB) No.2024/3 requires professionals involved in the design, specification and construction of high risk healthcare facilities to adhere to strict water quality guidelines. It emphasises the importance of Project Water Safety Plans (PWSP) in being to deliver early actions to protect against reasonably foreseeable threats of harm, even where full scientific certainty about the risk may be lacking. Notably, the bulletin emphasises the importance of the EUSR National Water Hygiene 'Blue Card' qualification, from the tender specification stage, through installation to pre-commissioning checks, filling and commissioning.

SMS Environmental’s Commitment to Training

We have integrated the NETB No.2024/3 requirements into our training protocols, ensuring all staff receive NWH training. This commitment enhances our service quality and meets NHS England expectations, providing a competitive edge in the industry.

The Importance of Proven Qualifications

Contractors must demonstrate that their employees are trained in water quality and hygiene. SMS Environmental’s compliance with these standards, including our affiliation with the Energy and Utility Skills Register, assures clients of our expertise and commitment to water safety.

Conclusion

The new training standards in NHS Estates Technical Bulletin NETB No.2024/3 represent a key advancement in water hygiene, where the contamination risks posed by those designing, installing and testing water systems are identified. At SMS Environmental, we are dedicated to equipping our staff with the necessary qualifications to meet these standards, ensuring compliance and contributing to water safety in public sector environments. We remain committed to providing effective solutions for our clients as the water hygiene landscape evolves.

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