Criterion HS110
# Water stored in any hot water cylinder is kept at a temperature of at least 60°C. Any malfunctioning hot water cylinder is inspected and repaired as necessary.
Guidance
How to show you are complying
If you use a hot water cylinder, the cylinder’s thermostat must be set at 60°C or higher.
Inspecting and repairing malfunctioning hot water cylinders
You must use a licensed plumber or gasfitter to inspect and repair a hot water cylinder when necessary.
We would expect you to engage a licensed plumber or gasfitter if:
the thermostat is set at the correct level, but the water is cold or lukewarm
hot water runs out quickly
the hot water cylinder is making unusual sounds – this may indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank
the base of the cylinder is damp, or water is pooling in that area – this could indicate there a leak or a pressure issue
there is brown or rusty water emanating from hot water taps – this may indicate internal corrosion or a failing anode rod
there is a noticeable drop in pressure from hot water taps – this could be due to sediment clogging pipes or valves
there is a sudden and unexplainable increase in electricity usage – this might mean the cylinder is working inefficiently or constantly reheating
the water from hot water taps is too hot or not hot enough – this may indicate the thermostat or heating element may be faulty
there are signs of rust or corrosion on the hot water cylinder or fittings – this can be a sign that it is aging and may stop working in the future.
When assessing whether you comply with HS110
Questions we are likely to ask
How do you make sure your hot water cylinder is kept at 60°C or higher?
We are likely to look at, measure or count
We might look at the thermostat of the hot water cylinder to identify whether the hot water temperature appears to be working as it should.
We might look at and around the hot water cylinder to see if there are obvious signs that it may be malfunctioning.
We are likely to request
The hash symbol # indicates that we might ask for a report from the National Public Health Service, under Regulation 55 of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. This report would help check if the temperature of water in the cylinder is higher than 60°C.
We may ask for evidence that you have engaged a licensed plumber or gasfitter to inspect, repair and replace the hot water cylinder, as necessary.
Setting a hot water cylinder thermostat to at least 60°C prevents legionella bacteria from growing in the pipes.
Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.
You may find it useful to maintain a written record of:
when you checked the hot water cylinder’s functions
when you identified signs that the hot water cylinder was malfunctioning
when you contacted a licensed plumber or gasfitter to inspect the hot water cylinder
when a licensed plumber or gasfitter inspected the hot water cylinder, and a summary of their inspection, including the outcome (if applicable)
a licensed plumber or gasfitter repaired or replaced the hot water cylinder, and a summary of the work done (if applicable).
You may find it useful to have a schedule for checking the hot water cylinder is operating as it should and providing guidance on how to check the temperature of the hot water cylinder to your staff.
It may also be beneficial to have your hot water cylinder serviced by a licensed plumber or gasfitter regularly.