AquAid and Partners Corporate Social Responsibility

by | Sep 5, 2011 | Uncategorized

Corporate Social Responsibility demonstrates the ‘heart’ of your organisation. It involves understanding your impact on communities and the environment and taking responsibility in meeting or even exceeding the ethical, legal, commercial and public expectations that society has of your business.

We as a company are committed to acting responsibly and most importantly motivating others to make a difference. Sharing the responsibility in the world in which we all operate should be an integral part of your working day.  We believe that making a difference is complimentary to a commercial success.

An important part of AquAid’s mission is to provide sustainable solutions to poverty and aid in emergency relief where needed. We are able to achieve this via our partnerships with both Christian Aid and Pump Aid and so can you! By using AquAid as your water cooler supplier you are bringing life and hope to some of the world’s neediest families. You will be sharing in the responsibility we have taken on in bringing safe, fresh disease free water to countries in the Third World. When you choose AquAid you will not only be getting a good quality product with an unrivalled service, you will playing an integral part  in bringing hope where it is needed most and aid in breaking the cycle of poverty. Paul Searle, Managing Director of AquAid said “The sign of a great partnership is where business, charity and community all work together.”

By involving your employees in this partnership you will not only be inspiring them but also offering a sense of belonging in your organisation. You will be providing your staff with not only a healthy working environment but creating a sense of employee satisfaction and loyalty. Working next to each other creates responsibility and you will be actively developing a policy that promotes a positive and sustainable social contribution. Your CSR decisions will also give your organisation a competitive edge and enhance your credibility.

The small choice of your water cooler can go a very long way in aiding your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility. By simply switching to AquAid you will be doing your part in changing lives forever. So far with the help of our partners, AquAid have donated in Excess of 5 Million pounds benefitting millions of children and families in the Third World.

Water Cooler in the Work Place – Health and Safety

by | Aug 22, 2011 | Uncategorized

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 yet it should not impede the flow of movement in and around the office. Power Cables need to be tucked away and any spare water bottles should be stored safely to avoid any mishaps.

The installation of your machine should also be carried out by a qualified technician.  The EPDWA, European Point of Use Drinking Water Association, is an association that was formed to “promote, develop and maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety and ethics within the European Point-Of-Use Drinking Water industry to the benefit of customers.” It is highly recommended that when considering your water dispenser Supplier you choose one that is a member of the EPDWA, this way you can be assured that the minimum required standards are being met. By using an EPDWA 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 have the approval of WRAS, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme.

Should you opt for a Mains fed water cooler (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 most certainly 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 EPDWA 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.

Like 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.  Bottled Water coolers need to be sanitised every 3 months whilst Mains fed Water cooler every 6 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 it its best form, simple yet effective maintenance by you can contribute to ensuring your water cooler is offering 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.

The Water cooler is fast becoming one of the most relied on pieces of office equipment. It provides an important role in the well-being of your office staff so get the best out of your machine, start by ensuring it offers no risk to your employees!