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Month: December 2024

Mark Bone headshot
  • Mark Bone
  • Fire safety expert

Not only are fire extinguishers a legal requirement in any space where there is a risk of fire, but they also provide a first line of defence against the devastation that an uncontrolled fire can cause – helping you to protect what matters until the emergency services arrive.

That’s all well and good, you might think, but how do you decide which type of fire extinguisher you need? Since there are different variants for different fire types, it’s important to consider the fire extinguishers suitable for the unique fire protection requirements of your business.

Here, we’ll take a look at five commercial fire extinguishers, setting out their intended use and the type of fires they’re suitable for.

AFFF Foam (for Class A and Class B fires)

Foam fire extinguishers are among the most common types of extinguishers found in commercial premises across the UK. Known as AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) extinguishers, they work by forming a barrier to prevent the spread of gases and flames.

AFFF extinguishers are suitable for use on a variety of flammable substrates, including both solids and liquids. However, since they contain PFAS, these types of extinguishers are considered bad for the environment and public health, so are scheduled to be phased out under evolving fire safety legislation by 4 July 2025.

Good to know: Foam fire extinguishers are easily identified by their classic cream label, complete with the industry-standard “Foam” insignia. In short, you can’t miss them.

Carbon dioxide (Class B and electrical-based fires)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are typically used in situations involving electrical equipment as well as some flammable liquids (class B). Since they leave no residue, they’re considered clean extinguishants that carry minimal risk to environmental and public health.

Typical uses for CO2 fire extinguishers include offices, server rooms, and other commercial spaces with a high volume of electrical equipment (be it music venues or retail stores). And since businesses are beginning to rely more heavily on electrical appliances versus manual or fuel-powered machinery, carbon dioxide extinguishers are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for organisations across a variety of sectors.

Good to know: CO2 extinguishers should never be used to tackle oils and fats, so they’re not typically recommended for commercial kitchen use.

Water (only to be used on Class A fires)

Water fire extinguishers were among the earliest forms of fire extinguishers brought to market, and remain a useful – though limited – type of extinguishant today.

Often labelled with the chemical formula for water, H2O, these extinguishers are safe to use on class A fires only – including materials like wood, fabric, coal and paper goods. One of their key benefits is the fact that they’re able to penetrate and cool a fire at source, preventing dangerous reignition while reducing the health risks posed by lingering smoke and fumes.

Good to know: Water-based fire extinguishers are not suitable for use on flammable liquids or gases, so they’re not recommended for use in commercial kitchens and other spaces where flammable liquids and gases pose a fire risk.

Dry powder (Fires in Classes A, B and C)

One of the key advantages of dry-powder fire extinguishers is their multi-functionality. Safe for class A, B, and C fires, they can be used effectively on flammable liquids, gases, and solid substrates including electrical equipment.

On the flip side, one of the main drawbacks of dry powder extinguishers is the residue and mess they can create (although this is, of course, preferable to the devastating effects of an out-of-control fire). However, this does mean that they’re particularly well-suited to certain outdoor environments with mixed fire risks – whether that’s workshops, petrol station forecourts, or industrial boiler rooms.

Good to know: Since dry powder fire extinguishers come in a range of sizes from compact to XL, they’re perfect for use in commercial vehicles like buses, taxis, trains, and HGVs.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers (for Class F fires)

Specifically formulated to tackle fires resulting from flammable oils and cooking fats, wet chemical extinguishers are the go-to choice for fighting class F fires in commercial kitchen environments – be it a pub, a restaurant or a catering van.

The main “active” fire-fighting ingredient found in wet chemical extinguishers is potassium. Applied in a fine mist, potassium coats the flammable liquid in a soapy film, ultimately smothering flames and preventing reignition.

Good to know: Unless otherwise stated on the tank, wet chemical fire extinguishers are not suitable for use on other chemical and gas fires, specifically petrol and diesel fires.

Talk to our experts about your commercial fire safety requirements

Fire extinguishers are one of several commercial fire prevention technologies that our highly trained specialists are able to deploy, maintain and test on your business premises.

Not only do we supply a complete range of fire extinguishers for every fire class, but we also provide annual testing in line with BS 5306-3:2009 – ensuring that your extinguishers are ready to go should the worst happen.

We can also remove old fire extinguishers that are no longer safe or compliant, offering expert guidance and recommendations on extinguishants better suited to your business.

Ready to get started? Talk to our experts today on 0808 239 6805 and we’ll be happy to help.

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Fire alarm
  • Fire safety

New SCA white paper: smoke control maintenance for compliance

  • 28th Apr 2025
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New white paper: an alternative approach to fire and rescue PPE reprocessing

  • 11th Apr 2025
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  • Joshua Finch
  • Government and NHS expert

From hygiene to infection control, hospital and healthcare administrators have a lot on their plates besides patient welfare – and this extends right the way to the type of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems they deploy across their sites.

HVAC considerations are among the lesser-known duties that healthcare facilities managers are tasked with. Yet the impact of these technologies can be considerable, affecting everything from day-to-day budgeting and overheads to the well-being of patients, staff and visitors.

In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the importance of efficient HVAC technologies in hospitals and healthcare facilities, along with the types of appliances we typically recommend.

Healthcare

Key HVAC considerations for healthcare and hospitals

Managing HVAC solutions in a hospital or healthcare facility can be extremely demanding. Why? Because these technologies need to solve more than one problem at a time, all while delivering peak efficiency and value-for-money performance.

To put this into perspective, let’s explore the different requirements of HVAC equipment in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Temperature control: The first – and most obvious – requirement of HVAC tech concerns temperature control. Heating and air conditioning equipment must maintain wards, visitor areas, labs, and other key infrastructure at optimal temperatures, 24 hours a day.

Hot water provision: Another obvious but critical consideration concerning HVAC systems is the consistent availability of hot water. Virtually every healthcare function relies on hot water, so a reliable commercial boiler is non-negotiable.

Hygiene, infection control and air circulation: Ventilation is essential in all hospitals and healthcare centres, helping to support the general hygiene and cleanliness of the entire facility. Without the appropriate filtration, ducting, and conditioning equipment, hospitals would struggle to maintain the peak hygiene and infection control standards they strive for.

Watertight reliability, efficiency and performance: HVAC systems must deliver peak efficiency and performance in healthcare facilities, and not simply for cost-saving reasons. Many hospitals and healthcare centres have ESG-related targets to hit, so striking a balance between efficiency and performance is essential.

Which HVAC systems are used in hospitals and healthcare facilities?

Air conditioning systems
Commercial air conditioners are a staple of any healthcare centre. Not only are these appliances used to maintain comfortable temperatures in wards, ICUs, operating theatres, and communal areas, but they’re also responsible for safeguarding key clinical and clerical equipment – from laboratory testing suites to IT server rooms.

Commercial boilers
Hospitals require industrial-grade boiler equipment to provide reliable, high-performance heating and hot water provision around the clock. Indeed, most facilities have a dedicated boiler room featuring the latest hi-spec equipment – including floor-standing boilers and innovative hybrid heating systems.

What’s more, since many hospitals and healthcare facilities are looking to decarbonise in line with UK energy-reduction targets, JLA is working with a variety of healthcare providers to deploy the latest hydrogen-ready HVAC equipment.

Air handling units
Developed to circulate and purify the air, air handling units are the perfect solution for healthcare facilities where hygiene and infection control are critical.

Installed correctly, air handling units can reduce allergens, remove bacteria, eliminate odours, and deal with problems related to high humidity. That’s why we recommend them for use across hospital sites, including wards, operating theatres, and communal spaces.

Hot water systems
While a hard-working commercial boiler is critical in a busy healthcare environment, even the most powerful industry-ready units may not provide the on-demand provision of hot water that healthcare providers rely on.

So, to guarantee a consistent supply of hot water on demand, supplementary hot water systems may be required – including commercial water cylinders and storage heaters. Our HVAC experts can provide expertise on the type of hot water infrastructure your site may need.

HVAC service contracts from JLA

Given the critical importance of keeping HVAC systems in good working order, a maintenance and servicing contract can provide the peace of mind of a rapid resolution should things go awry with any of your heating, ventilation or air conditioning equipment.

At JLA, we provide 5 or 7-day response options for our HVAC service contract holders, so you’re guaranteed a swift fix should a fault develop. Plus, we also provide a full suite of supplementary maintenance services, so you can keep all your HVAC equipment in peak working order year after year.

Interested? Call us today on 0808 258 4324 or visit our HVAC hub to learn more.

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  • HVAC

Your useful guide to LEV systems

  • 25th Apr 2025
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are an important system in many workplaces for employee safety, health and compliance. In this guide, we will outline the basics of LEV systems, how they work, the key components and how we can support your business.
  • Hygiene

What is sick building syndrome, and how can we prevent it?

  • 17th Apr 2025
Learn about what sick building syndrome (SBS) is, how it can affect your workplace and the different systems available to help address the problem.
Kathryn Glover
  • Kathryn Glover
  • HVAC expert

With ambitious sustainability goals to meet, we often hear from facilities managers looking for support to tackle their decarbonisation challenges. But whether it’s compliance, reducing running costs, or simply future-proofing your operations, it can sometimes be tricky to know where to start.

To help you prioritise the right things, JLA’s Helen Buchan is here with some practical steps and insights to help you hit your ESG targets and reduce energy costs for critical equipment across your estate. Watch Helen’s video below.

Future-proof your properties with low-carbon tech

Accelerating change with low-carbon technologies

For facilities managers, upgrading to more efficient equipment – particularly for heating, laundry and other critical operations – gives organisations a great opportunity to reduce carbon emissions.

As Helen explains in her video, this could mean switching out older boilers for air-source heat pumps. Or, if your buildings aren’t quite ready for more sustainable upgrades just yet, it could be that you look to replace older boilers with higher-efficiency, hydrogen-ready boilers that will reduce your carbon footprint now and over the longer term.

If you’re running laundry or catering facilities across your sites, you might also benefit from investment in appliances like JLA’s SMART electric dryers, which can be monitored through JLA Connect for real-time usage data and energy bill estimates, as well as estimated CO2 emissions. We also offer a range of versatile, Energy Star-rated commercial combi ovens, which reduce energy usage while improving cooking performance and convenience.

Plus, arranging a regular service and maintenance schedule for your estate means you’ll stay compliant while you move towards your sustainability goals.

Free, ongoing decarbonisation support

For more free decarbonisation guidance, don’t forget to visit JLA’s dedicated Energy Smart Hub. A free resource packed with insights on regulation, practical advice and handy tips, it might just inspire the next steps of your ESG journey. Or if you’d rather speak to an expert about all things sustainability, simply get in touch.

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  • 20 mins

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Energy saving
  • Energy saving

How to start decarbonising your estate

  • 23rd Dec 2024
With the cost-of-living and energy crises still affecting thousands of organisations, what are the options for decarbonisation and energy efficiency? JLA’s Helen Buchan discusses how JLA could help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Cup of tea
  • Catering

Water Boiler vs Kettle – A Quick Guide

  • 3rd Nov 2024
  • 5 min read
If you're looking for the most efficient way t serve hot drinks - or let people to help themselves - take a look at our handy guide.
Lucy Cripwell
  • Lucy Cripwell
  • Detergents expert

Beyond the hard-working ovens, hobs, fryers, fridges and griddles that help keep the wheels of your kitchen turning, there are a whole host of auxiliary essentials that professional caterers rely on. Chief among these are cleaning chemicals, there to maintain high levels of hygiene service after service.

Granted, professional kitchen cleaning products and detergents may not make for the most exciting blog post. But given their importance to a catering space, we thought it was prudent to take a look at the most common chemical cleaners used in commercial kitchens.

JLA dishwasher

So, whether you’re just starting out as a professional caterer or have recently taken over a long-standing professional kitchen, here is a checklist of commercial cleaners and detergents you’ll need in your arsenal.

Dishwasher and pot wash liquid

Formulated to break down grease and grime, commercial dishwasher liquid is a go-to detergent for a wide range of professional caterers. Not only are these high-performance pot wash liquids tough on baked-on food but they also help to safeguard the long-term health of your commercial dishwasher, ensuring consistent results and lasting performance cycle after cycle.

The beauty of professional dishwasher liquid is that it can be used to clean a broad range of kitchen and tableware, including crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and everything in between. Professional-grade pot washer liquid – including JLA Ultra Dishwasher Liquid – also offers superb results regardless of the water type; the same cannot always be said of inferior products designed for domestic appliances.

Dishwasher and glasswasher rinse aid

Have you ever considered what dishwasher rinse aid actually is? Well, let us fill you in…

Rinse aid is what’s called a “surfactant”. This is a chemical that lowers the surface tension of water, making the rinse action of a dishwasher more effective.

When you keep your commercial dishwasher topped up with professional-grade rinse aid, the effects are two-fold. First, you’ll notice far fewer water spots, since the rinse aid makes it harder for moisture to cling to just-washed items. This, in turn, helps to dry dishes faster, as there is minimal water left to remove after the wash cycle.

So, the next time you consider skipping adding rinse aid to your machine – don’t. Rinse aid is essential for the health and performance of commercial pot washers, so it’s certainly something to add to your regular cleaning chemicals shopping list.

Multi-surface cleaner

Cleaning surfaces around your commercial kitchen effectively is key to preventing the spread of bacteria. A high-performance surface cleaner can also help to increase the longevity of cooking appliances, food storage equipment and prep areas – cutting through harmful build-up that could easily cause problems if left unchecked.

JLA Ultra Multi-Surface Cleaner is one of the most reliable high-performance commercial cleaners on the market. Suitable for use on everything from worktops and stovetops to walls and floors, this chemical cleaner kills germs while doubling as a powerful degreaser, so you can rely on it to shift even the toughest messes in your commercial kitchen.

Grease degrader

Every professional caterer knows that grease is one of the most difficult substances to remove. But remove it you must, otherwise, oils, fats, and other forms of grease can wreak havoc on the smooth running of your commercial kitchen.

The best line of defence against stubborn grease and grime is a pro-grade grease degrader. These biological chemical cleaners literally digest oil, fat, grease and other organic matter, so you can quickly clear blockages and prevent harmful build-up.he toughest messes in your commercial kitchen.

Discover the full range of JLA Ultra catering cleaners and detergents

From glass wash rinse aid to presoak powder – JLA has formulated a range of high-performance commercial cleaners to make light work of tough grease, grime, build-up and bacteria around your professional kitchen. Discover our full range of professional kitchen detergents and cleaners or contact our team today on 01422 413 258 for additional help and advice.

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JLA auto-dosing pump
  • Laundry

Exploring the benefits of auto-dosing pumps

  • 17th Apr 2025
Automatic detergent dispensers are a proven way to maintain quality and reduce wastage in your laundry room, keeping your costs, and carbon footprint, as small as possible.
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Commercial-grade rinse aid is a hard-working ally in the fight against stubborn stains, streaking and water marks. But how does it work?
Mark Bone headshot
  • Mark Bone
  • Fire safety expert

At JLA, we understand that securing the safety of people and premises tops the priority list for every facilities manager. So as your partner in critical equipment, we’ll deliver an end-to-end solution that covers everything from system design to ongoing compliance. Below, JLA Managing Director (Fire and Security) Mark Bone shares the benefits.

Watch Mark explain our approach

Protecting your people and assets

No two estates are the same – and even your business activities are likely to differ from site to site. But whether we’re carrying out fire risk assessments or servicing fire doors, our turnkey approach allows us to meet every property’s unique needs, so you and your team can focus on keeping everything else running smoothly.

In his video, Mark explains our philosophy of really getting into the details to understand how your organisation works, so we can give you the support you need to stay safe and compliant across all your locations.

Mark also touches on the breadth of our offering: our all-in-one fire safety services now include cutting-edge fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers and other passive protection, including smoke ventilation systems (AOVs), to protect your estate at every level. Plus, we also offer training, inspection and certification services so you continue to meet all relevant legislation.

Can we support your organisation?

For more on how JLA can help to protect your people and properties, speak to our dedicated fire safety team today.

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Mark Bone headshot
  • Mark Bone
  • Fire safety expert

Nobody wants to think about the damage and disruption a fire can cause, but for many people, particularly employers, it is a legal requirement to have an appropriate fire safety plan in place.

Fire damage can be devastating to a business, resulting in huge financial loss, delays in work, and perhaps even serious injury or death. That’s why creating a fire escape plan suitable for your business is so important, and something we aim to help with in this guide.

Book Fire Risk Assessment

What is a fire safety plan?

Before starting to create a fire evacuation plan, you might be wondering what actually defines a ‘plan’. Essentially, in terms of fire safety, this should be a formal document that every company has, and all employees should be familiar with.

Most importantly, while it should cover a plan for all aspects of fire protection and prevention, the document should specifically outline the escape procedure to be followed in the event of fires in the workplace. It should also contain information such as exit routes and where the nearest meeting spot is, in order to prevent serious injury or even death of employees should a blaze break out.

Why are fire escape plans important?

Firstly, it is a legal requirement for business owners to have a fire escape plan in place and there could be lots of implications for those who are found not to have one. Equally, having a suitable plan will greatly reduce the risk of members of staff or visitors and customers from becoming injured in the event of a fire, by ensuring everyone knows what action should be taken.

Who is responsible for writing a fire safety plan?

Depending on the type of premises the plan relates to, different people may be responsible. In many cases, it will be an employer, but it could also be the owner of the building, the landlord, or anyone else who is in control of the premises.

How to create a fire safety & evacuation plan

We understand that business managers and owners may struggle to know where to start when it comes to preparing a fire escape plan – especially with so many other things to think about in the current Coronavirus crisis. That’s why we have created a comprehensive guide outlining the process step by step.

Of course, if you don’t have the time, expertise or confidence to create a full plan, you can also get in touch with JLA’s experts for more advice or to book services such as fitting call points or planning and installing new fire doors.

What should a fire safety plan include?

Fire safety plans should cover a number of different steps as outlined below – these don’t have to be completed in order, but all should be considered.

1. Ensure your Responsible Person knows what they’re responsible for

Both the Regulatory Reform (fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 state that the Responsible Person in charge of a non-domestic building must ensure that the building is maintained to provide a safe working environment for staff and visitors to the site. All fire doors, fire dampers, AOV alarm systems and suppression systems that are part of the fire strategy you create must be maintained and regularly tested to ensure the fire integrity of the building at all times.

2. Carry out a fire safety risk assessment

The first step in creating your escape plan should be to carry out a fire risk assessment, which is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises. This must also be formally documented for companies with five or more workers. It’s important to add here that you should only complete this assessment if you are a ‘competent person’ – if you don’t have the time, knowledge or confidence to do the audit yourself, you should employ the services of a third party, certified fire safety partner.

At this point, think about things such as limiting the areas where smoking is permitted and take into account the dangers of potential fire hazards such as cooking equipment. It’s also vital to look at any fire safety equipment you already have such as extinguishers, signage and lighting to identify any requirements for replacement or repair.

3. Set out a compartmentation strategy

Compartmentation is key to successful and compliant passive fire protection. By identifying fire ‘barrier’ zones, and installing fire resistant doors and walls in the right places, you can prevent fire, smoke and harmful fumes spreading from one area of your building to another, and buy precious time for evacuation if a blaze ever breaks out.

4. Put a regular service schedule in place

It is also a legal requirement for businesses to have regular inspections and checks for key equipment including alarms, lighting and doors to ensure it is safe. Routine maintenance – ideally as part of a contracted plan – should be in place for all fire doors, alarms, and emergency lighting systems to make sure they are always working as they should be and annual or six-monthly checks do not lapse.

5. Train all Responsible Persons – and other staff

Part of an escape plan should be properly outlining evacuation procedures and drills. The right third party fire partner will be able to help businesses plan these protocols, and also provide training, both online and offline, to the appropriate members of the business.

It’s a good idea to assign a ‘monitor’ or steward for each floor of the building to make sure everyone gets out safely, as well as delegating tasks such as calling the fire brigade to one trustworthy person.

6. Create an emergency evacuation plan

It is crucial to note and share all potential escape routes in the escape plan, as chances are one of them could become blocked in the event of an emergency. Where possible, map out escape routes for each floor, taking care to note the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and the meeting point. Consider innovations like AOV systems too, which can keep your stairwells and corridors clear of smoke and fumes in emergencies.

Another part of your evacuation plan should include regular hazard checks which ensure that your building is as safe as possible generally, as well as being clear for efficient evacuation if the worst happens.

7. Practice your fire escape plan

Planning the emergency escape route is just the first step – it is equally important to practice the plan regularly to ensure all members of staff are familiar with what to do if they hear the smoke detectors going off. Then, if the real thing ever does happen, everyone is more likely to be able to act quickly whilst remaining calm.

Again, training is recommended periodically to ensure the plan is followed as ‘second nature’ – especially if your business operations and/or staff have changed.

8. Put preventative measures in place

Of course, planning escape routes and exits is important, but taking steps to actively reduce the risk of a fire breaking out is equally crucial. Ensure smoke alarms are tested regularly, check fire extinguishers to ensure they are suitable and up-to-date, and schedule regular inspections and checks for key equipment in your calendar. This way, the risk of having to call the fire department is sure to be greatly reduced.

Ideally, a service contract should be in place to take away any need to ‘manually’ remember to do these things, but if you don’t want to commit to such a plan, the next best approach would be to schedule in regular one-off site surveys for the next 12 months.

If you need support in any aspect of fire safety planning, contact our experts today. From fire risk assessments and one-off safety audits to installation and breakdown cover, we can take care of all your safety and compliance obligations.

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In this overview, we’ll highlight the three most important laundry equipment guidelines for care homes. We understand how important it is for you to meet the key regulations and government standards when it comes to your commercial laundry process. That’s why this guide is here to help you not only meet regulation guidelines, but also provide the best services for your residents.

Need help with your laundry? Request a call back from our care homes team.

Focus #1: CQC Inspections

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent regulator established by the Health and Social Care Act 2008. They are responsible for inspecting care homes across the UK and play a vital role in the development of regulations for care, which include best practices in your laundry room.

Key CQC Laundry Guidelines For Care Homes

When inspecting your care home, the CQC expects to see a safe and sanitary environment with healthy and happy residents. They also apply the Health Technical Memoranda 01-04 for laundry disinfection, which we’ll go into later on in the guide.

Top tips for staying CQC compliant:

  1. Focus on the five key questions the CQC always ask themselves during inspections: Is the home well-led? Is the home safe? Is the home effective? Is the home caring? Is the home responsive?
  2. Make following care home laundry guidelines a priority in your laundry rooms (see HTM 01-04 below)
  3. CQC representatives can arrive unannounced – be sure that you are always inspection-ready

Focus #2: HTM 01-04

The Department of Health’s Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-04 provides guidelines for the disinfection of linens in care homes.

Download a copy of the HTM-01-04 regulations.

Key HTM 01-04 Laundry Guidelines For Care Homes

Current laundry equipment guidelines for care homes state that disinfection must be achieved in every wash cycle. There are two accepted methods – thermal or chemical disinfection.

Thermal disinfection

Water in your laundry cycles should reach a temperature at or above 65°C for no less than 18 minutes, or 71°C for no less than 11 minutes (including mixing time).

Chemical disinfection 

You’ll need to use a method, such as ozone laundry disinfection, that is validated and is as effective as thermal disinfection. These processes prevent the spread of micro-organisms like MRSA and C.diff, which can threaten residents’ health.

The JLA alternative: ozone disinfection

Unique to us: OTEX ozone disinfection provides a verifiable way to meet HTM 01-04. Our OTEX ozone disinfection solution harnesses the natural power of ozone O3, killing bacteria, moulds, yeasts and viruses and eliminating the risk of cross-infection in laundry. Learn more about our ozone washer system here.

What happens if my home isn’t HTM 01-04 compliant?

We understand the importance of being HTM 01-04 compliant. It’s possible that, if you’re care home isn’t meeting the HTM 01-04 standards, it could be placed into special measures or even shut down. If an inspection finds that you aren’t meeting the HTM 01-04 standards and a resident or staff member has been harmed because of this, it’s possible that, in extreme cases, the CQC can bring prosecution against you. We’re here to make sure that your commercial laundry equipment is always compliant with the latest regulations.

Top tips for HTM 01-04 compliance:

  1. Ensure that every load of laundry is thoroughly disinfected according to relevant care home laundry guidelines
  2. Establish routes for the transportation of soiled items, from collection to washing and storage, in order to prevent cross-contamination
  3. Ensure staff are adequately trained in thermal and chemical disinfection methods

Focus # 3: WRAS (Water Regulation Advisory Scheme)

The Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) is an organisational body that ensures protection of the public water supply by setting standards for products such as washing machines.

Key WRAS care home laundry guidelines

The WRAS care home laundry guidelines contain five WRAS Fluid Categories. It ranges from 1, for wholesome water, to 5, for water which is contaminated by faecal material or other human waste. All care homes are deemed high-risk due to a typically high level of incontinence. Therefore washing machines should be protected by a suitable backflow prevention device such as an air-gap.

What happens if my home isn’t WRAS compliant?

We understand the seriousness of keeping your water clen, which is why we’re here to help you pass any inspection from by local water authority. If your local water authority finds that you aren’t meeting WRAS standards and you don’t pass a second inspection, your machines will be declared unfit. If you don’t take action, they may disconnect your care home’s water supply. It’s important to meet WRAS compliancy as contamination of the water supply is a criminal offence.

As with any area of your home that needs to stay compliant, it’s important to ask an expert who can advise on layouts, workflows, regulations and maintenance. Our team can help you make informed choices, and find the best equipment for your specific needs.

What is essential for the safe handling of linen laundry?

It’s important that your care home laundry equipment and processes follow best practice in the sorting, segregation, transportation, storage, washing, finishing and tumble drying of linen. Contact our expert team below for advice on what you need to focus on in your care home laundry.

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  • 24th Jan 2025
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  • HVAC

An essential heating guide for care homes

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The challenge: replace old, unreliable systems

Cargill’s Trafford Park site is home to the organisation’s UK sweetener, industrial starches and texturants plant, which is supported by a busy office complex. 

With employee comfort a priority, Cargill needed to replace ageing, unreliable systems that were unable to efficiently heat or cool their building anymore.

The original set up Cargill had included boilers and radiators for their heating, with a chiller and fan coil solutions to provide comfort air. Using these methods meant that water leaks from suspended ceilings had become common throughout the building, which led to office carpets becoming damaged, causing considerable hassle for both staff and site managers. 

Performance was also an issue, with parts of the office going unheated during colder months. On top of this, systems were out of warranty and unsupported by original manufacturers, leading to often costly repairs or unable to even repair at all.

Cargill required a modern, energy-efficient system that could be installed without disturbing daily operations, as many parts of the building were fully occupied and sending staff home during work was not an option.

The solution: a bespoke comfort cooling and heating system installed with minimal impact

After a recommendation from Cargill’s maintenance company, Cargill discovered JLA and never looked back. JLA’s engineers were invited to the site to assess and help provide solutions. They proposed several bespoke cooling and commercial heating solutions where most of the work would include being carried out externally to minimise interruptions.

After considering JLA’s proposal, Cargill chose to buy a new commercial air conditioning system outright, and over the next nine months, the new system was fitted with as little disruption as possible and the install went smoothly. JLA’s ability to thoroughly assess the building during the planning phase, from a team of experts, prevented any unexpected costs or delays.

"JLA came out straight away with experts from different disciplines – mechanical, electrical, installation – and assessed our building thoroughly. From this, they gave us options that would cause less disturbance to our building occupants, keep costs low, and cover everything we wanted."

Fatih Şentürk, Build Project Engineer, Cargill

The new system has not only eliminated leaks but offers significantly improved heating and cooling efficiency. What’s more, Cargill has been able to replace the office’s water-damaged carpets, assured that the new system won’t cause further damage.

"From general planning through to installation, everything went smoothly. Even when our offices were empty, JLA would call and ask for approval before accessing rooms, which gave us confidence in their discipline. If I have another aircon project, or another project that JLA can cover, they’ll be my first port of call.”

Fatih Şentürk, Build Project Engineer, Cargill

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    Mark Bone headshot

    Mark Bone

    Fire safety expert

    With an extensive technical background, Mark advises customers with his wealth of fire safety and security knowledge. His experience spans technical, commercial, customer service and operational roles delivering a well-rounded service for JLA clients.

    Read Mark's full profile

    Joshua Finch

    Government and NHS expert
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    For the past 5 years, Joshua has been leading JLA’s Government and NHS division, overseeing our largest government contracts.

    Passionate about delivering innovative solutions, he has prioritised compliance, reducing downtime, and providing innovative solutions.

    With a wealth of experience in tailoring solutions to specific needs, Joshua is committed to delivering operational excellence through a collaborative and consultative approach.

    Read Joshua's full profile
    Kathryn Glover

    Kathryn Glover

    HVAC expert
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    Kathryn Glover is the Managing Director for JLA’s HVAC division, responsible for the end-to-end functions, service, and performance. She has extensive experience in Continuous Improvement where she worked on a variety of projects adopting and enhancing processes whilst improving service to customers.

    Her background at JLA includes service delivery, implementation of scheduling platforms, digital projects, contracts management, billing functions and customer services.

    Kathryn has worked across multiple departments, including laundry, catering, fire safety and now is responsible for JLA’s HVAC division, which includes commercial boilers and air conditioning. 

    Read Kathryn's full profile

    Olivia Nolan

    Care sector expert
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    Olivia has been supporting some of the UKs largest care providers for over 10 years and is also the sector specialist for care.

    Olivia has an excellent understanding of the commercial and technical requirements of care homes, having overseen many contract mobilisations and contract deliveries. 

    Along with a drive to help make sure your critical equipment is running smoothly, Olivia’s primary mission is to work with customers to find the right solutions to your challenges.

    Read Olivia's full profile

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