Working within the UK water industry means understanding the critical importance of public health protection. Preventing contamination of clean water supplies is paramount, and one key element in achieving this is ensuring personnel have the right awareness and training. This is where the National Water Hygiene card comes in. Often referred to simply as the 'Blue Card', this certification is a fundamental requirement for many roles across the sector.

This guide explores everything you need to know about the national water hygiene card, the associated training, and why it's vital for anyone working in or around the clean water network.

What is the National Water Hygiene Card?

The National Water Hygiene card is a recognised standard, managed by the Energy & Utility Skills Register (EUSR), providing evidence that an individual has undergone essential training in hygiene principles. Its primary purpose is to ensure that individuals understand how their actions can potentially contaminate clean water supplies and how to prevent this, thereby safeguarding public health. Holding an eusr water hygiene card demonstrates a level of awareness and competence crucial for working safely in specific water industry environments.

Who Needs National Water Hygiene Training?

The requirement for national water hygiene training extends to a wide range of personnel. If your work involves contact with potable water, or takes place on 'Restricted Operations' sites such as service reservoirs, water pumping stations, water treatment works, wells, springs, boreholes, or within the clean water distribution network (water mains and communication pipes), you will almost certainly need the card.

Roles Typically Requiring the Card:

• Direct water company employees involved in Restricted Operations.
• Contractors working on behalf of water companies on the clean water network or sites.
• Self-Lay Providers (SLPs) and their operatives.
• Sampling and inspection personnel.
• Anyone else who requires access to Restricted Operations sites.

Essentially, if your activities could pose a risk to the quality of drinking water, completing a national water hygiene card course is mandatory.

Key Topics in the National Water Hygiene Card Course

The national water hygiene card training itself is designed to be concise yet comprehensive. Approved courses cover several vital areas:

• The Importance of Water: Understanding water's role and the significance of maintaining its quality.
• Water as a Carrier of Disease: Awareness of potential waterborne diseases and pathogens.
• Potential Contamination: Identifying the ways clean water sources and systems can become contaminated during work activities.
• Preventing Contamination: Learning and applying the practical methods and hygiene practices required to prevent contamination.

Obtaining Your EUSR Water Hygiene Card

Gaining your national water hygiene card involves successfully completing an approved training course delivered by an EUSR-accredited provider.

The Process:

1. Attend Training: Participate in an approved national water hygiene card training session (available online or in-person).
2. Assessment: Complete a multiple-choice health screening questionnaire and assessment covering the course content.
3. EUSR Registration: Upon successful completion, the training provider registers you on the EUSR system.
4. Card Issuance: EUSR issues your national water hygiene card (often digitally first, with a physical card following if requested).

Card Validity

Your eusr water hygiene card and the associated EUSR registration are valid for three years. Before expiry, you must attend another national water hygiene card course to renew your registration and ensure your knowledge remains current.

Finding National Water Hygiene Card Training

It's crucial to choose a training provider approved by EUSR to deliver the scheme. Look for providers offering the official national water hygiene training programme. Courses are widely available across the UK, including options for remote online learning or traditional classroom sessions.

Conclusion

The National Water Hygiene card is more than just an access pass; it's a vital part of the framework protecting public health across the UK water network. Ensuring all relevant personnel undertake the required national water hygiene card training is a responsibility shared by individuals and employers alike, contributing to a safer, cleaner water supply for everyone.