If you’re a commercial business owner, then you’ll be well aware of the many legal requirements that dictate the way you manage and run your business. These requirements aren’t only tied to the actual running of the business but also to important services you use in your workspaces. Certain plumbing services feature highly on this list.
Fortunately, the emergency plumber Melbourne locals use can easily assist you with identifying these requirements. They will also be able to perform the routine inspections and maintenance that go along with these requirements.
Every Commercial Business Needs a Trusted Plumber
With the right commercial plumber and a few mandatory routine inspections, a big chunk of your work is easily taken care of. Keep reading as we highlight the top functions a commercial plumber can assist you with.
- Installation, Testing, and Repairing of Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV)
If you enjoy having access to hot water on your business premises, then you have your TMV to thank for it. In short, a TMV combines your hot and cold water to ensure that running water is always at a safe temperature. This prevents scalding when staff or customers use the water. Having water at the right temperature is also an effective way to prevent bacteria such as Legionella from breeding in your water pipes.
Australian regulation dictates that all TMVs have a maximum temperature of 50°C. Part of TMV maintenance means that the commercial plumber will test and ensure the temperature remains constant and safe for use. This type of maintenance is crucial to protect anyone using bathrooms or kitchens on your commercial property.
- Testing and Maintaining your Backflow Testing
As per Australian regulations, it’s mandatory to have backflow prevention systems tested every 12 months. It’s important to get a professional to perform the backflow testing Melbourne businesses need to do. This is essential to prevent the risk of any water contamination.
In addition to regulation, here are a few crucial reasons to keep your backflow maintained:
- Potential water contamination: If your business lacks a backflow prevention device, unclean water can lead to several waterborne illnesses. This can harm the community around your property.
- Legal liabilities are expensive: If customers or other community members become ill as a result of your faulty backflow system, there could be legal ramifications. Medical bills and legal costs can mount up to a considerable financial loss to your company.
- Fines and business closure: Aside from the potential legal costs, your organisation could receive fines and penalties for non-compliance. These types of fines are also bad for your business reputation.
- Trade Waste Installation and Maintenance
Depending on the type of business you’re running, it might be necessary to implement a trade waste program. Correctly disposing of water or other chemicals from commercial kitchens or industries keeps hazardous materials from ending up in the local water supply.
A few other benefits of investing in a trade waste program that meets government requirements include the following:
- Avoid costly shutdowns: Prevents costly shutdowns when a business needs to temporarily shut down to deal with hazardous waste
- Safeguard the community: Protects the safety of sewer operators who come in contact with the chemicals that flow into water mains or the sewer system
- Protect the environment: Keeps the environment safe from hazardous chemicals that might spill onto the surrounding ground or properties. Your plumber will also make recommendations for energy-efficient plumbing fixtures.
- Safety Shower and Eyewash Installation & Testing
As with the trade waste program, a safety shower or eye washing station is dependent on the type of business you’re running. The Australian National Standard dictates that businesses dealing with any hazardous chemicals must have the relevant safety showers and eye wash basins in place in case of chemical spills or burns.
The law further states that these safety stations be tested annually, and proof kept on record. Fortunately, there’s no need to enlist a specialised professional for this, as the commercial plumber who assists with the other mandatory aspects can perform this test as well.
- Fire Service Repairs & Replacement
It should go without saying that fire safety is mandatory in every business, no matter how big or small. It’s, therefore, crucial to ensure that fire safety equipment is not only positioned strategically but also in full working order.
Another point worth mentioning is that over time, equipment can become faulty. That means that installing fire safety equipment once won’t keep it in working order if not used. Many accredited commercial plumbers provide fire service surveys, maintenance and repairs to ensure that your establishment is not only safe but compliant as well.
Final Thoughts
Enlisting the services of an accredited plumber is the best way to take care of many of the mandatory aspects of your business. They’ll also provide you with the necessary documents to keep on file for yearly audit purposes. This will free you up to focus on equally important facets of your business, such as being successful and profitable!