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SOP-201-WFCD: Water Dispenser Clean

Purpose

To provide a safe and consistent procedure for the cleaning and sanitisation of water/drinking fountains. Maintains drinking fountains in a clean and hygienic condition, reduces the risk of microbiological contamination, removes dirt, debris, scale, and biofilm where present, ensures outlets remain suitable for normal use, and identifies and reports defects that could affect water hygiene or safe operation.

Required Equipment

• Clean, colour-coded cloths • Disposable wipes/paper towels where appropriate • Approved detergent/cleaning solution • Approved sanitising/disinfection product suitable for the application • Suitable scale-removal product where required • Small cleaning brush where appropriate • Waste bag • Wet-floor warning sign • Service documentation or electronic reporting device

IMPORTANT: All chemicals must be used at the correct concentration and contact time specified by the manufacturer and applicable COSHH assessment.

Required PPE

• Disposable protective gloves • Safety glasses/goggles where there is a splash risk • Company workwear • Safety footwear

Additional PPE must be used where required by site rules or the chemical manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet.

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1 – Site and Equipment Assessment

  1. Sign in and follow all client/site access and safety requirements.
  2. Identify the correct drinking fountain to be serviced.
  3. Visually inspect the fountain and surrounding area.
  4. Check for: Damage, Leaks, Corrosion, Excessive scale, Dirt or debris, Evidence of biofilm, Blocked or slow drainage, Damaged or contaminated outlet/nozzle.
  5. Report significant defects in accordance with Sci-Tech Water Treatment Ltd procedures.

Step 2 – Prepare the Work Area

  1. Wash or sanitise hands.
  2. Put on the required PPE.
  3. Position a wet-floor warning sign where necessary.
  4. Remove litter and loose debris from the fountain and surrounding area.
  5. Prepare cleaning and sanitising products in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and COSHH assessment.

Step 3 – Clean External Surfaces

  1. Apply the approved cleaning product to a clean cloth where appropriate rather than spraying unnecessarily around the drinking-water outlet.
  2. Thoroughly clean: Fountain basin/bowl, Splashback, Push buttons, Levers, Bottle-filling controls, Outer casing, Other frequently touched surfaces.
  3. Remove visible dirt, staining, and deposits.
  4. Where scale is present, use an approved descaling product in accordance with its instructions.
  5. Do not use abrasive equipment that could damage the fountain surface.

Step 4 – Clean and Sanitise the Drinking Outlet

  1. Use a fresh clean cloth/wipe for the outlet/nozzle area.
  2. Carefully remove visible contamination and scale from around the nozzle and protective guard.
  3. Avoid introducing dirt, used cleaning solution, or contaminated equipment into the water outlet.
  4. Apply the approved sanitising product using the specified method.
  5. Observe the manufacturer's required contact time.
  6. Rinse with potable water where required by the chemical manufacturer's instructions.

⚠ NEVER leave chemical residue on or around a drinking-water outlet where it could subsequently be consumed.

Step 5 – Clean the Basin and Drain

  1. Clean the basin thoroughly.
  2. Pay particular attention to edges, corners, joints, and areas where water collects.
  3. Remove debris from the drain area.
  4. Ensure the drain is unobstructed and water can discharge freely.
  5. Clean and sanitise surrounding surfaces as required.

Step 6 – Flush and Operational Check

  1. Operate the drinking fountain.
  2. Flush the outlet sufficiently to remove any residual cleaning/sanitising product and stagnant water associated with the cleaning activity.
  3. Confirm that: Water flows correctly, The water jet/outlet operates normally, Drainage is satisfactory, There are no obvious leaks, No chemical residue remains.
  4. If the fountain does not operate correctly, record and report the defect.

Step 7 – Completion

  1. Wipe down the fountain and leave it visibly clean and presentable.
  2. Ensure the surrounding floor is clean and dry.
  3. Remove cleaning materials and waste from the area.
  4. Remove disposable PPE and dispose of it appropriately.
  5. Wash or sanitise hands.
  6. Remove the wet-floor sign once the area is safe.
  7. Return the fountain to normal use unless a defect or hygiene concern requires it to remain out of service.

Pass Criteria

• Water flows correctly from the outlet. • The water jet/outlet operates normally. • Drainage is satisfactory with no blockages. • No obvious leaks present. • No chemical residue remains on the fountain. • Fountain is visibly clean and presentable. • Surrounding floor is clean and dry.

Fail Criteria

• Fountain does not operate correctly after cleaning. • Chemical residue detected on potable-water contact surfaces. • Leaks identified that cannot be resolved on site. • Blocked or slow drainage that cannot be cleared. • Significant damage, corrosion, or contamination that requires the unit to remain out of service.

Common Problems & Corrections

• Excessive scale build-up on nozzle and surrounding surfaces — use approved descaling product. • Biofilm evidence in basin/drain area — ensure thorough sanitisation and contact time is observed. • Blocked drain — remove debris and ensure free discharge. • Damaged or contaminated nozzle — report and record; do not return to service without assessment. • Residual chemical taste/odour — flush more thoroughly with potable water.

Warnings

• NEVER mix cleaning chemicals. • Follow COSHH assessments and Safety Data Sheets at all times. • Use only products suitable for the intended application. • Prevent cross-contamination between outlets. • Use clean equipment when working around drinking-water nozzles. • Do not leave chemical residue on potable-water contact surfaces. • Do not use visibly dirty or contaminated cloths. • Do not return a defective or potentially unsafe fountain to normal service without appropriate assessment. • Report significant contamination, persistent poor water quality, damaged components, or other water hygiene concerns immediately.

Relevant Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations • HSE guidance on Legionella and water system management • Relevant water hygiene guidance and industry good practice • Manufacturer's instructions for the drinking fountain • Manufacturer's instructions and Safety Data Sheets for cleaning and sanitising products • Client-specific water hygiene requirements • Sci-Tech Water Treatment Ltd risk assessments, method statements, and internal procedures

Document Reference: SOP-201-WFCD v1.0 | Issue Date: 01-01-2026