FMJ.CO.UK
MONTH IN FM
WHA – STANDARDS AND
TRAINING REMAIN PARAMOUNT
One thing for sure is that life
resulting from the Covid-19
pandemic is not the same; and
is unlikely to be so for some
time. Organisations are having
to operate di erently whilst still
delivering their products and
services. Trade Associations
are no di erent. The WATERDISPENSER
OCTOBER 2020 47
AND HYDRATION
ASSOCIATION (WHA) has as its
byline “Quality Trust Standards”
– and it is essential that these
continue to be maintained, even
during this di icult time.
The WHA provides information for its
Members and Facilities Management
concerning Health and Hygiene
and the return to the workplace. An
information series of Frequently Asked
Questions is available via your WHA
Supplier.
WHA Members must undergo
strict annual, mandatory audits.
These audits assess compliance to
both legislative standards and WHA
guidelines to ensure that the highest standards of
hygiene and safety of drinking water are adhered
to. The WHA have looked at the process of carrying
out their annual Bottling Plant, Distributor/Operator
and Supplier audits to accommodate the e ect of
the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst maintaining the high
quality that is synonymous with WHA Members. It is
vital at the present time, when hygiene is paramount,
to continue this process. It has been agreed by the
WHA Executive Council that for 2020, the audits must
continue, but for 2020 they will be held remotely. They
will be operated in line with Government guidelines
whilst being sensitive to the concerns of Members.
They will be in two sections:
a. Submission of documentation for digital review
b. Key areas presented via video call
Members have been sent a detailed list of evidence of
work to be sent to the Auditors prior to video call for
assessment covering all areas of the audit guidelines.
The video call will then cover in depth visual aspects
to ensure that the Member has adhered to the
requirements in full.
Training is a mainstay of membership and an
integral part of the Association. The WHA mandates
that Members’ personnel, other than administrative
and sales, must undergo appropriate hygiene and
operational training. As the world begins to re-emerge,
the focus will fall on hygiene more than ever. The WHA
are therefore o ering relevant training courses flexibly.
In-house Hygiene Awareness courses: these will
still be available in-house to those Members who
have the appropriate facilities. Members have
been sent information on the various protocols
that will be followed to ensure the safety of
delegates and trainer alike.
External Regional Hygiene Awareness Course: for
those without suitable facilities, regional hygiene
training will still be available at a central suitable
venue – again following detailed protocols.
Virtual Regional Hygiene Awareness Course:
some Members may not feel happy about
sending their sta into a physical training
environment, and therefore a virtual regional
hygiene awareness course is o ered via Teams
or Zoom.
The WHA are confident that they are o ering Members
hygiene training options both to meet their concerns
and to ensure that high hygiene standards are
maintained.
Other WHA training courses plant operation,
distribution management, crisis management
and installation, which are full day interactive
programmes, will continue to be held physically, but
of course with careful management to ensure safety.
WHA Members
continue to gain
and provide a
distinct point of
di erence in the
hydration market
place, and audits
and training are
key factors to
maintain high levels
of “Quality Trust
Standards”.
www.twha.co.uk info@twha.co.uk 01438 816 380
/www.twha.co.uk
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