National Water Hygiene – EUSR Registration and COVID-19 Impact
A valid EUSR National Water Hygiene registration remains a mandatory requirement for all individuals working on the public water supply within Restricted Operations.
The UK water industry has set out clearly that hygiene is the highest priority for the health of individuals and the public, and this does not reduce during this time but becomes more important. There must be no reduction in competence or compliance across the duration of this pandemic.
The industry does however recognise that a pragmatic approach is needed given the closure of many training centres until further notice, and the need for social distancing. A number of changes are therefore underway to maintain the high standards required, while increasing flexibility, and these will be reviewed on a regular basis, through discussion between Energy & Utility Skills, the UK water companies and drinking water quality regulators.
Last week Energy & Utility Skills made a Computer Based Learning (CBL) route available, to enable the renewal of National Water Hygiene registrations where they expire between 19 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.
From 27 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, the National Water Hygiene CBL route will extend to new entrants, i.e. individuals who do not already hold a National Water Hygiene registration. Organisations wishing to use the National Water Hygiene CBL route for new and renewal registrations will be asked to sign a ‘Declaration’ which sets out their roles and responsibilities.
A two-week extension period is also being introduced to National Water Hygiene registrations expiring between 26 March and 9 April. This temporary arrangement is to allow time for an individual to receive training – whether face to face or online. Companies must formally request this on behalf of their employees.
Energy & Utility Skills are also working on guidance to support online delivery of National Water Hygiene training and assessment. We will be issuing guidance to help and support those who wish to deliver via this route shortly.
With EUSR ID cards (‘Blue cards’) being delivered to offices and so many already closed or due to close, there will be delays in cards getting to individuals. We are therefore encouraging all companies and individuals to use EUSR, our online register (www.eusr.co.uk) to check National Water Hygiene registrations for the period of the pandemic.
If you would like to talk to one of our Quality team about approval to deliver NWH CBL, please contact the Quality team on email: quality@euskills.co.uk or telephone: 0121 745 1310 (select option 1).
