Understanding your Chassis
After a long winter and few months away, the last thing you will want to do after stepping foot back inside your caravan for the first time is go back outside and check the chassis. Although it’s not necessarily the first thing static caravan and park home owners think about at the start of the season, chassis inspection and maintenance should feature highly on the list of priorities. This is particularly true for those whose chassis are only painted steel, part- or pre-galvanised. Owners who have a fully galvanised foundation, can take a more relaxed approach. Depending on chassis type, signs of wear and levels of ongoing maintenance will vary and it is important to understand how this can affect the chassis warranty. The first question is, do you know what chassis type you have? Once you have obtained this formation from your manufacturer, this helpful guide from chassis manufacturer Bankside Patterson will ensure you keep the foundations of your investment in top condition. Painted Steel Chassis The chassis type that is most susceptible to corrosion is one that is simply made out of painted steel. Although this is the most cost effective option upon unit purchase, in the long-term it will mean more of your leisure time being spent on maintenance. This includes regular painting when the steel becomes exposed and rusting starts to appear. It is important to regularly check for rust spots and touch-up as required using a coating conforming to specification ISO 12944 C4. (See Bankside Patterson painting tips). 2 year warranty from the date of chassis manufacture; or 1 year anti-corrosion (perforation) warranty from date of sale. The above warranties become invalid unless touch-ups with the correct coating are carried out at least once per year (these will be required more frequently in coastal locations). Part or Pre-Galvanised Chassis Such chassis are made from pre-coated galvanised steel and are the mid-range option. Although they provide a higher level of corrosion protection than painted chassis, steel edges are left exposed when cut and, over time, a fine cosmetic film of rust will appear. This will not affect the rest of the chassis. However, to reduce the frequency of this occurring, grease/oil should be regularly applied to welded areas and cut edges. 2 year warranty from the date of chassis manufacture; or 1 year anti-corrosion (perforation) warranty from date of sale. These above warranties become invalid unless touch-ups with the correct coating are carried out at least once per year. Fully Galvanised Chassis A fully hot-dipped, galvanised chassis provides, by far, the highest levels of protection from rust and corrosion. This should be the only option considered if siting a caravan in exposed locations such as coastal areas. Selecting a fully galvanised chassis will eradicate the need for repainting and edge protection. Although the initial outlay maybe higher for a fully galvanised chassis, it does mean that after initial maintenance upon siting, you can just sit back and relax! 12 year warranty from the date of chassis manufacture; or 10 year anti-corrosion (perforation) warranty from date of sale. How can you keep your chassis in tip-top condition? Although it is sometimes easy to think you know what you are doing. Following industry-standard maintenance guidelines will help ensure the best coating is achieved when painting and the important areas of your chassis stays lubricated. In-turn, this will help keep your chassis in the best possible condition and your warranties will remain valid. Chassis painting Only conduct painting in warm/dry conditions (8-25◦C). Ensure the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn during application e.g. safety glasses, gloves, etc. Prior to application: remove all corrosion using a sanding disc/wire brush remove dirt/dust/grease with diluted detergent rinse with clean water and dry Lightly stir paint and do not apply thinners Apply paint with a clean brush and ensure all edges and corners are covered. Additional painting should be undertaken periodically as and when surface rust is found Bankside Patterson can supply the correct paint if required. Chassis lubrication Corner Steadies/Jack stands Clean/grease and wind all four through their full range of movement Jockey Wheel Clean and oil all moving parts Hitch head Clean and oil hitch handle and grease ball area Wheel and wheel stubs Protect tyres from direct sunlight Maintain tyre pressure at the level indicated on the wheel hub Protect the wheel stub with grease if removed after siting The Bankside Patterson Protech Range: Protech 300 & 500 Series – for regular Holiday Homes Protech 700 & 900 series – for lower weight Park Homes Next Generation Park Home (NGPH) – for higher weight lodges and park homes Understanding the alternatives with Shaun Gadsby – Senior Sales and Commercial Manager at Bankside Patterson “At Bankside Patterson we are not saying never chose a painted or part/pre-galvanised chassis,” explains Shaun, “in certain inland siting situations, they can still have a place. Also, it is important to understand that money is often a factor. However, when you consider the initial outlay, paying that little bit more for a fully- galvanised chassis to not have to worry about maintenance is worth serious consideration. “As a result of ongoing innovation, our Protech galvanised chassis is the number one fully-galvanised chassis choice. It adds resale value for the owners and eradicates the need for torepainting and edge protection. A holiday home is for relaxation time not more work. “However, irrespective of chassis type, all should be inspected when first sited to ensure no damage has occurred. This needs to be followed up with regular checks and required maintenance. “For anyone currently looking to buy a new caravan or upgrade, I would suggest chatting through the chassis options as part of the buying process. Making an informed decision in crucial.” You can learn more about chassis on the Bankside Patterson website www.galvanisedchassis.co.uk alternatively you can call the team on 01964 545454.
Controlling Legionella in Caravan and Holiday Parks
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. It is caused by the legionella bacteria which can develop in any system where water is stored at temperatures favourable to its growth; water tanks, calorifiers, hot and cold-water systems, pools and spas. On caravan and holiday parks, the statutory duty holder for the premises is responsible for making sure the site is risk assessed, and ensuring that regular checks are carried out to prevent the conditions occurring that might allow the bacteria to grow. Failing to comply can result in serious health implications and even death in some cases. Businesses also risk severe fines or, in the worst cases, prosecution for involuntary manslaughter. Fortunately, the risk from legionella bacteria can be reduced and managed simply and effectively by taking the correct preventative actions including: Carrying out a legionella risk assessment to identify any risks and set out ways in which the risks can be reduced. Completing any remedial works identified during the risk assessment, such as water tank cleaning or plumbing alterations, to ensure all water systems meet the current standards. Carrying out regular ongoing monitoring to ensure the risk from legionella bacteria is managed and that control measures are working effectively. Managing risk, minimising disruption Caravan and holiday parks share several unique factors that require special consideration. These include; fluctuation in demand for water, seasonality, large volumes of stored water, tank-fed drinking water and the management of spa and swimming pool complexes. Typical maintenance work that should be scheduled includes: Legionella risk assessment Cold water storage tank cleaning and disinfection Showerhead descaling and disinfection Pipework alterations Descaling of water cylinders and calorifiers (quarterly) BS8558 flushing and disinfection on new buildings Drinking water sampling Disruption to guests (and to the business) can be minimised by adopting a proactive approach and spreading maintenance work throughout the year, with the most invasive and disruptive tasks being carried out in the off season. In fact, several tasks are best carried out before the season gets under way, such as the cleaning and disinfection of cold water storage tanks, the flushing out of little used outlets and the descaling and disinfection of showerheads. Work to be carried out, out of season Cold water storage tank cleaning and disinfection Caravan and holiday parks often have a large cold-water storage tank, possibly located outdoors or underground, that feeds all services. These tanks must be inspected annually to check their condition and whether cleaning is required. To comply with water regulations tanks must have the following: A close-fitting lid made of a suitable material in good condition. Insulation to control temperature. Vermin and insect screens. Opposing inlet and outlets. Overflows, vents and warning pipes in good condition. Stagnation is a common problem with over-sized tanks or where water usage fluctuates throughout the year. Stagnant water creates a habitat in which legionella bacteria can grow and multiply to sufficient numbers for an outbreak to occur. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid stagnation by the regular flushing of little used outlets, and the cleaning and disinfection of the storage tank. Reduction of water storage Electronic tank level switches can be installed to control the capacity of stored water in off-peak or low season to match reduction in demand. Reducing the amount of stored water will reduce the possibility of stagnation and help maintain healthy functionality. Showerhead descaling and disinfection Legionnaires’ disease is normally contracted by inhaling tiny, airborne droplets (aerosol) of legionella bacteria. Showers are a notorious source of aerosol, therefore the hose, inserts and showerheads must be dismantled, cleaned, descaled and disinfected on a quarterly basis. Descaling water cylinders and calorifiers The build-up of limescale within a hot water cylinder or calorifier is a common cause of systems not working efficiently. It can result in both a reduction of water flow and poor temperature control. Chemical cleaning can remove limescale which both reduces the risk of legionella and improves energy efficiency, so reducing heating costs. Refurbishment and new buildings If any new building work, extensions or alterations are carried out on a caravan or holiday park site, new water systems must be flushed and disinfected to comply with British Standard 8558 and current water regulations. This ensures they are hygienic and ready to be put into service. A certificate must be provided to prove the work has been carried out. On-going maintenance to be done during holiday season The simplest and most common method of controlling legionella in hot and cold-water systems is by controlling the temperature. Hot water needs to be stored at 60°C in cylinders or calorifiers and must achieve 50°C at all outlets within 1 minute of running the tap. Cold water must be stored at below 20°C and not exceed 20°C within 2 minutes of running the tap. Monthly monitoring of temperatures must be carried out and recorded, and if these control temperatures are not being achieved further control measures will need to be implemented. Infrequently used outlets must also be flushed through on a weekly basis to reduce the risk of stagnation and ensure temperature control is maintained. Showerheads must also be checked on a quarterly basis. Drinking water sampling Drinking water supplied from cold-water storage tanks must be routinely tested to ensure the water is safe to drink. Professional guidance ensures peace of mind With so much else to think about, it’s not surprising that many caravan and holiday park managers choose to appoint a specialist to help ensure they are fully compliant with current HSE guidance. Dantek Environmental Services specialise in water hygiene and can help solve any problem that water might cause in the built environment. Their highly trained and experienced team provide expert technical advice and support to ensure compliance is achieved and provide peace of mind. Managing Director of Dantek, Dan Collins said, “We advise on all matters concerning water and the built environment and can work with caravan and holiday park owners to help prevent Legionnaires’ disease. Our advice helps ensure best
Banish bacteria and odours in your caravan with Zoflora
Be sure to keep pesky germs at bay and eliminate nasty odours with leading liquid disinfectant, Zoflora. Zoflora is a concentrated disinfectant and has been established for over 90 years and is produced here in the UK. Zoflora boasts over 15 fragrances within its range and comes in various sizes such as 56ml, 120ml, 250ml and 500ml which is ideal for those who travel. Zoflora is a popular choice with people who holiday in the UK as the product is very versatile and can be used diluted all over caravans and motorhomes, from floors and work surfaces, to toilets and showers, to bins and outdoor areas such as patios. A concentrated disinfectant, Zoflora kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, helping to protect your family and pets from harmful germs and leaving homes and caravans fragrantly fresh all day. Use diluted all over your caravan from rubbish bins to drains, worktops to floors, toilets to sinks. Zoflora is even safe to use around most* pets. Use it on litter trays, dog beds and animal cages to keep them hygienically clean and fragrantly fresh. Just allow to dry thoroughly before pets are allowed back in. With over 15 fragrances in the range, each scent has been expertly created by perfumers to eliminate odours. Choose from Linen Fresh, Twilight Garden, Springtime, Citrus Fresh, Bluebell Woods and Summer Breeze, or why not try the warming festive fragrances such as Winter Morning or Warm Cinnamon. Zoflora is available to buy from Asda, Morrison, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, with an RRP of £1.45 for 120ml. For more information on Zoflora, visit www.zoflora.co.uk To keep up-to-date on all things Zoflora, follow us on: Twitter: @loveZoflora Facebook: facebook.com/LoveZoflora Instagram: lovezoflora
