Responding to flooding events - best practices | Health Technical Advice (HTA)

The purpose of this Health Technical Advice (HTA-2024-001) is to provide guidance on best practices for responding to a flooding event or an escape of water incident within a healthcare facility.

It assumes that the facility already has established emergency response plans and aims to complement them specifically for water emergencies.

The document highlights the potential risks and hazards associated with flooding or water escape, including electrical hazards, spread of pathogens, water source contamination, and impacts on critical infrastructure. It emphasises the need for contingency plans to address these risks.

The document is intended for use when water has impacted the internal space of a healthcare facility, whether it’s a large-scale flood or a plumbing-related water escape. It focuses on protecting people, minimising further damage to the facility, stabilising affected areas for remediation, and working in conjunction with relevant guidelines and procedures.

The document defines categories of water contamination to aid decision making in the response to an escape of liquid event. The unplanned presence of water in a medical facility can lead to the emergence of biological hazards such as pathogens (including bacteria, mould and yeast) and possible contamination from chemical hazards that may be present.

The document also addresses other hazards and damage, including the risk of electrocution due to the combination of water and electrical systems. It emphasises the need for electrical risk management, shutting off power supply in affected areas, and proper isolation procedures. Additionally, it mentions the isolation of hospital-specific service lines during water events to protect responders and infrastructure.

Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders, such as hospital staff, administrators, patients, visitors, and contractors, are essential for a successful response to flooding or liquid escape events.

Overall, the document emphasises the importance of having an emergency response plan in place prior to water ingress events, conducting assessments of vulnerable areas, and taking mitigation measures to minimise potential damages and health risks.

Please note: This document has been prepared as a guide and for information purposes only. No legal obligation for any loss, damage or expense is incurred by any person relying on the information provided.