Objectives

The primary objective is to ensure the safe, effective cleaning, disinfection, and certification of water tanks across various clinics. This aims to eliminate sediment, biofilm, and bacteria, ensuring a safe potable water supply that complies with SANS 241 standards, with minimal disruption to clinic operations.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Drainage, de-silting, scrubbing, and disinfecting water tanks (various capacities per clinic).
• Inspection of tank structures and slabs for faults or stress points.
• Cleaning external concrete slabs and inspecting for cracks or uneven settling.
• Flushing, refilling, and water quality testing before handover.
• Providing photographic documentation before and after cleaning.
• Issuing a Certificate of Sanitization confirming compliance and safety.

Technical Requirements

• Use only SABS-approved materials and certified, food-grade disinfectants (chlorine-based).
• Employ permitted tools such as long-reach telescopic poles, soft brushes, industrial vacuums, submersible pumps, and calibrated chlorine testers.
• Prohibit the use of metal scrapers, wire brushes, petrol-driven pumps, and abrasive chemicals.
• Perform cleaning from outside the tank via extension tools; internal entry requires a confined-space permit.
• Coordinate cleaning schedules to minimize impact on clinic water supply, ideally during low-demand hours or using bypass lines.
• Ensure safety signage, barricades, and PPE are used to prevent hazards.

Skills and Competencies Requirements

• Qualified personnel trained in confined-space entry, tank cleaning, and disinfection procedures.
• Experience in handling potable water systems and compliance with health standards.
• Ability to inspect and identify structural faults or stress points in tanks and slabs.
• Proficiency in water quality testing and documentation.
• Capability to coordinate with clinic staff and health facility managers to ensure operational continuity.