An Health and Safety Update from AquAid

An Health and Safety Update from AquAid

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulation 1992, the employer has a responsibility to provide an adequate supply of drinking water. However, the employer must ensure that the facilities provided are done so safely and are maintained correctly to avoid any risk to the employees.

The location of your water cooler is the first step to ensuring the safety of your staff. The water cooler needs to be seen to encourage drinking water yet it should not impede the flow of movement in and around the office.  Power cables need to be neatly tucked away and any spare water bottles should be stored safely to avoid any mishaps.

A qualified technician should also carry out the installation of your machine.

The WHA (Water Dispenser & Hydration Association​) is an association that was formed:

To ensure the attainment of the highest standards of quality, safety, hygiene and ethical conduct in the water dispenser industry through unimpeachable products and services supplied by Members to their Customers, in full recognition of the Industry’s environmental responsibilities, whilst promoting hydration benefits.

The WHA only use WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved training courses. It is highly recommended that when considering your water dispenser supplier you choose one that is a member of the WHA. In this way, you can be assured that the minimum required standards are being met.

By using a WHA member you can also be assured that, the materials used for the installation of your water coolers are suitable for contact with drinking water and that the technician installing your dispenser has WHA accredited training.

Should you opt for a Mainsfed Water Cooler: a water cooler that is connected directly to your water mains – there are further installation guidelines that will be adhered to by the technician.

  • The machine must be connected to a fresh water supply and not to a water storage tank.
  • The water cooler should also be located within a close proximity to both the power socket and the mains water supply.
  • The WHA guidelines advise that the location of the machine needs to be within five metres of the mains supply to ensure optimal hygiene is taking place as well as getting the best water pressure levels available.

As with all equipment, it is not enough to just ensure that the water dispenser has been installed safely and correctly. Maintenance, servicing and cleaning play a vital role in ensuring you are getting the optimal value out of any piece of equipment and the water cooler is no different.

Due to the nature of their water delivery, Bottled Water Coolers need to be sanitised every three months whilst Mains Fed Water Coolers should be serviced and their filters cleaned every six months.

Keep a formal record of the services carried out by your supplier, ensure the guidelines are being met and good quality filters are being used. However, do not simply rely on your visit from your supplier to keep your machine in its best condition.  By carrying out simple yet effective maintenance you can easily contribute to ensuring your water cooler continues to offer high quality drinking water.  Empty the drip tray regularly and keep all external parts of the water cooler clean. A dirty water cooler will not encourage staff to drink.

Having a water cooler on site is indispensable to any organisation and it plays a vital role in the well-being of your office staff. To be assured that you are getting the best out of your water dispenser, begin by ensuring it offers no risk to your employees.

COVID-19 – Risk Assessment

The health and well-being of our staff and customers is of paramount importance to us here at AquAid. We are continuing to closely monitor the Covid-19 outbreak situation and would like to reassure you that we are taking all precautions and necessary steps to reduce any risk to both staff and customers. Follow the link to read our Covid-19 Risk assessment statement.  It will be continuously updated in line with changes to best practice or government advice.

 

The AquAid Range of Office Water Coolers

The AquAid Range of Office Water Coolers

We understand that you wish the best for everyone who works in your office – and that their health and well-being is vital for their being able to perform at their very best while they are at work.

That said, we also understand that the focus of your day-to-day business operations most likely isn’t directed towards what the best, most cost-effective and convenient solutions are to ensure that your staff have easy access to a constant supply of refreshing chilled drinking water.

The good news is that there is a simple solution. Speak to us at AquAid . For more than 22 years, we have been supplying office water coolers and bottled water from source to more than 33,000 customers across the UK.

What’s more, we offer nationwide coverage with our 23 branches across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland; all committed to meeting AquAid’s exacting customer service standards.

Unsure of what water cooler you need for your office?

We offer a free on-site survey to assess what your needs are and which of our range of high-quality office water coolers, be they bottled, mainsfed water coolers or water boilers best suit your requirements.

AquAid are a large organisation – are we able to provide a personal touch?

With AquAid, you gain the efficiency and resources of a national company coupled with the personal, hands-on service of a local provider. In addition, because we understand that each customer’s needs are different, we tailor each contract to meet your specific requirements.

Added benefits at no cost

Aside from providing office water coolers, installed by one of our qualified engineers, as well as a three or six month service carried out by our WHA accredited service technicians, partnering with AquAid results in you also helping to bring opportunity and hope to thousands of people every day.

Each installation of an AquAid Mainsfed water cooler and each bottle of water purchased carry an automatic donation to the charities that AquAid have supported since our inception in 1998.

For all your office water cooler requirements, contact AquAid:  Website: www.aquaidwatercoolers.co.uk E-mail marie@aquaidwatercoolers.co.uk: Phone: 0800 772 3003

Hydrate Health – Pinch Yourself!

Hydrate Health – Pinch Yourself!

You did read that right. One of the simplest ways to check how hydrated (or dehydrated for that matter) you are is to:

Pinch yourself. Your hydration level directly affects your skin’s ability to change shape and return to normal. Using your pointer finger and thumb, gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand and hold for a few seconds. If the skin takes a while to return to its normal position when you let go, you could be dehydrated. A gentle pinch, mind, the idea is not to hurt yourself.

Reverse the dehydration. Now that you’ve established that you are more dehydrated than you realised, counteraction is easy.

Drink water more. In the current circumstances, good health habits can easily fall by the wayside. Don’t allow this. Whether you work remotely, have returned to your office or formal workplace or are constantly on the go, make sure you always have access to drinking water and carry water with you.

Hydration boosts better function.  Increasing your water intake not only produces a healthier, plumped up skin but also your body and mind’s ability to function better overall.

Water refresh where?  That’s where AquAid come in. For over 22 years, we have been providing an extensive range of high quality water coolers to businesses, work sites and the educational sector across the UK. With more than 23 branches nationwide, we are well equipped to provide the best drinking water solution for your organisation, however large or small your staff contingent. Once installed, our range of water dispensers, from Bottle-Fed and Mains-Fed through to Hot Water Boilers and Instant Taps, each carry a donation to charity, providing safe water resources to millions of people in need in impoverished communities.

Contact us at AquAid today.

Water Cooler Wisdom – More Health Hacks Part II – Things to do (or not do)

Water Cooler Wisdom – More Health Hacks Part II – Things to do (or not do)

In April, we provided a list of suggestions to beat lockdown blues and in this instalment, we’re adding to the list.

Now that summer has officially arrived, and with it, the knowledge that getting out into the fresh air definitely promotes a sense of well-being, we present a few more to do (or not do) ideas:

Discover new places on your daily outing. Whether you are on work furlough, are obliged to self-isolate or have opted to work from home, daily exercise is vital. There are scores of walks, trails and routes across the UK, so instead of taking that usual route, why not strike out in a different direction and see where it leads? Remember to carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Perfecting the cuppa – and repeat.  Using your AquAid cold and hot water dispenser to make your preferred hot drink while at work is a definite plus, however, if you’re still at home, now is the ideal time to make that perfect cup of tea (and repeat).

Try on the early to bed, early to rise maxim. There’s no doubt that here in Britain we are busy, busy, busy, but keeping busy can be somewhat draining, especially if we’re determined to stay awake as late as possible, just in case we miss something. It’s possible that many of us now have extra time on our hands. This doesn’t necessarily mean that those hours need to be crammed with ‘stuff’ to do. Rather opt out, climb into bed earlier and get a good night’s rest. You’ll be amazed at how rejuvenating it is.

Finally, it’s good to remember that wherever you are, if you require a water dispenser, your Bottle-Fed water cooler topped up or bottled water delivery – here at AquAid, we continue to operate responsibly – this includes maintaining social distancing and not requiring our customers to sign for bottled water deliveries.

How to Help Children Hydrate More

How to Help Children Hydrate More

It is no surprise that teaching our children to drink water more may appear a task easier said than done. However, as many adults, parents and teachers know, there is a secret weapon in our arsenal. It stems from a well-known phrase: lead by example. It may seem rather tired and a bit worn out nevertheless, it is true and it is effective.

How?

Children often emulate adult behaviour, especially those adults with whom they have daily interaction. If you as the carer of a child are seen to drink water regularly, it is more probable that a child will be better encouraged to do the same, instead of merely telling the child to drink water without any example shown.

Why?

The results from a great deal of research, including a recent study at the University of East London , show that children are better able to concentrate, retain information, take part in activities and are able to better function overall the more hydrated they are.

Method?

Uninterrupted access to refreshing spring and filtered water – maintained at a pleasing ambient or chilled temperature – all at the press of a button. With more than 22 branches nationwide, this is easily achieved by installing a water cooler from AquAid.

Benefits?

Healthier and happier children of course. With AquAid, there are added benefits and these are at no additional cost to your school, academy, college or university.

For each Mainsfed Water Dispenser we install, a portion of that revenue is donated to charities. Charities such as Christian Aid the AquAid founded Africa Trust. These donations are utilised to implement clean water resources where they are needed most, like in schools and villages, in countries throughout Africa. At AquAid, we understand that helping others is key component to a healthy and strong organisation as is attested by our collective 30 years of supporting these charities.

If you would like to know more about installing a high-quality Mainsfed or Bottlefed Water Dispenser or Water Fountain, contact us.

The Advantages of the AquAid Bottle-Fed Water Cooler

The Advantages of the AquAid Bottle-Fed Water Cooler

As with all our bottled water products, AquAid provides Bottled Water Coolers and water filtration that ensure you are drinking only the finest fresh water available, drawn from three sources around the United Kingdom.

Our bottled water is pure and filtered to remove any harmful chemicals and bacteria, leaving you feeling healthier and refreshed. Many water-processing plants use dangerous chemicals to purify their water, but AquAid do not. Our water is as clean as nature intended it to be.

Bottled Water Coolers are the perfect solution where portable water or a mains water supply is unavailable.

A Bottle-Fed Water Cooler is ideal for placement in any workplace and for any size of staff contingent. These free-standing coolers are easy to move to a new location within the organisation should this be required.

Another benefit of having a Bottle-Fed water cooler is easy access to a source of proper hydration at all times. Tests have shown that a drop in body fluids can lead to poor mental and physical performance of up to 30%. Having access to fresh water and being able to replenish your water throughout the day will ensure that you are never thirsty, and that you are always able to perform at your best.

There is a reduced environmental impact. Our water bottles are collected, thoroughly cleaned, sanitised and re-used multiple times. Once spent, they are granulated and re-cycled in an ecologically friendly manner.

As we have branches throughout the United Kingdom, our bottled water delivery is quick and efficient.  We also offer an urgent water replenishment service.

Installing a Bottled Water Dispenser from AquAid not only means a healthier and hydrated you, but also the opportunity of the delivery of life-changing safe water for those in need. For each bottle of water supplied, a donation is made to the charities that AquAid have supported for more than 20 years. These donations are at no additional cost to our customers.

No matter what sort of water cooler you are looking for, at AquAid we have the perfect solution for you. Have a look at our easy-to-navigate website for the full range of water coolers that we offer for your convenience and continued health and hydration.