1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,920
Right, it's Monday 2 November 2026, and
this is your SoftWash UK industry bulletin.
2
00:00:06,053 --> 00:00:10,001
Three things worth your time, and then a
quick check on what hasn't changed.
3
00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:14,320
I'm starting with water, because it's the
one that can stop you doing a job or leave
4
00:00:14,340 --> 00:00:15,840
you on the wrong side of a rule.
5
00:00:15,875 --> 00:00:19,395
The Environment Agency published its
drought summary on 30 October,
6
00:00:19,431 --> 00:00:21,795
covering 23 to 29 October.
7
00:00:21,995 --> 00:00:27,075
Two named storms, Austen and Boelo, made
it the wettest reporting week in England
8
00:00:27,128 --> 00:00:28,995
since October 2024.
9
00:00:29,125 --> 00:00:33,795
October rainfall to date is 111% of the
long term average.
10
00:00:33,975 --> 00:00:39,235
Reservoir storage for England rose to
57.9% as of 27 October.
11
00:00:39,502 --> 00:00:43,795
So yes, it's been properly wet, and I know
a lot of you looked out of the van window
12
00:00:43,835 --> 00:00:45,235
and thought the problem was over.
13
00:00:45,350 --> 00:00:45,810
It isn't.
14
00:00:46,410 --> 00:00:50,750
That 57.9% is still 19% below average for
the time of year.
15
00:00:51,570 --> 00:00:55,090
Ten reservoirs or reservoir groups are
classed as exceptionally low.
16
00:00:55,670 --> 00:00:57,590
Seventeen are less than half full.
17
00:00:58,290 --> 00:01:02,370
And groundwater levels are still falling
at most sites, because the soil is so dry
18
00:01:02,710 --> 00:01:04,630
that the rain isn't recharging anything
yet.
19
00:01:05,550 --> 00:01:10,850
The Environment Agency also says we need
at least 120% of average rainfall over the
20
00:01:10,890 --> 00:01:14,750
next six months for the whole country to
be out of drought by next spring.
21
00:01:14,958 --> 00:01:18,558
Severe drought remains in parts of
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset,
22
00:01:18,638 --> 00:01:21,278
Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.
23
00:01:21,422 --> 00:01:25,198
That's the areas relying on Ardingly,
Wimbleball, the Kenninck,
24
00:01:25,318 --> 00:01:30,078
Tottisford and Trenchford group, Venford,
Stithians and Drift,
25
00:01:30,126 --> 00:01:33,358
plus several smaller reservoirs in Devon
and west Cornwall.
26
00:01:33,678 --> 00:01:38,478
If you listened to our earlier episodes,
Drought Rules, Workplace Risks and Runoff
27
00:01:38,545 --> 00:01:43,118
Plans, and the Sussex Water Ban Update,
this is the same story,
28
00:01:43,182 --> 00:01:43,998
just wetter.
29
00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:46,160
Now the bit that matters on the job.
30
00:01:46,232 --> 00:01:49,200
Temporary use bans are still widespread.
31
00:01:49,220 --> 00:01:52,800
The Environment Agency lists Affinity,
Anglian, Bristol, Cambridge,
32
00:01:52,867 --> 00:01:55,840
Essex and Suffolk, Southern for Hampshire
and the Isle of Wight,
33
00:01:55,933 --> 00:01:58,880
South East, South West, Thames and Wessex.
34
00:01:58,980 --> 00:02:03,120
Several of those cover their whole company
area, so read the detail for your
35
00:02:03,191 --> 00:02:04,000
postcode.
36
00:02:04,187 --> 00:02:08,960
On top of that, the smaller appointed
water companies, the NAVs like Leaf,
37
00:02:09,013 --> 00:02:13,120
Leep and Independent Water Networks, have
mirrored the bans for customers in those
38
00:02:13,187 --> 00:02:13,600
areas.
39
00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:17,280
So your customer might not even be with
the company you assume.
40
00:02:17,292 --> 00:02:18,812
One point I want to be careful about.
41
00:02:18,901 --> 00:02:24,012
Proposed business use bans for South East
Water and South West Water are still
42
00:02:24,086 --> 00:02:25,212
applications.
43
00:02:25,260 --> 00:02:27,052
They're at the drought permit stage.
44
00:02:27,116 --> 00:02:29,852
They are not restrictions already in
force.
45
00:02:30,012 --> 00:02:34,012
Don't tell a customer there's a ban on
commercial water use when there isn't one
46
00:02:34,092 --> 00:02:36,733
yet, and don't tell them there's no risk
either.
47
00:02:36,876 --> 00:02:38,012
Both are wrong.
48
00:02:38,182 --> 00:02:39,262
So here's the practical bit.
49
00:02:39,722 --> 00:02:43,822
Before you quote, check your water
supplier's current rules for the property
50
00:02:43,882 --> 00:02:44,262
address.
51
00:02:45,122 --> 00:02:49,562
Before you turn up, confirm in writing
with the customer how the water is being
52
00:02:49,602 --> 00:02:51,762
supplied and what you're allowed to use.
53
00:02:52,622 --> 00:02:57,362
If you're mixing, rinsing and flushing
equipment, work out how much water the job
54
00:02:57,542 --> 00:02:58,302
actually needs.
55
00:02:59,222 --> 00:03:01,922
Rain on the forecast is not a permission
slip.
56
00:03:02,702 --> 00:03:06,862
The rules change when the supplier says
they change, not when the weather does.
57
00:03:07,083 --> 00:03:09,083
Second item, and this one's an
opportunity.
58
00:03:09,171 --> 00:03:13,563
Sanctuary Care, which runs 108 not for
profit care homes across England and
59
00:03:13,616 --> 00:03:16,683
Scotland, has opened a preliminary market
engagement.
60
00:03:16,783 --> 00:03:19,883
The notice is dated 28 to 29 October.
61
00:03:19,995 --> 00:03:24,283
They want feedback from suppliers on
planned and reactive window cleaning,
62
00:03:24,319 --> 00:03:26,603
communal glazing and gutter clearance.
63
00:03:26,663 --> 00:03:30,763
For the gutters, that means downpipes,
hopper heads, clearing debris,
64
00:03:30,803 --> 00:03:34,283
a visual inspection, and photographic
evidence of completion.
65
00:03:34,292 --> 00:03:35,492
Let's be clear on what this is.
66
00:03:35,625 --> 00:03:38,932
It's market research to help shape their
procurement strategy.
67
00:03:38,985 --> 00:03:40,692
It is not a live tender.
68
00:03:40,825 --> 00:03:42,932
It is not an awarded contract.
69
00:03:43,039 --> 00:03:45,092
It's not a guaranteed framework.
70
00:03:45,292 --> 00:03:51,572
The headline figure is £625,000, usually
quoted across a three year term,
71
00:03:51,592 --> 00:03:54,132
but that's an initial estimate and it may
change.
72
00:03:54,332 --> 00:03:58,132
And softwashing is not specified anywhere
in the scope.
73
00:03:58,458 --> 00:03:59,578
So why should you care?
74
00:03:59,668 --> 00:04:04,618
Because regional and smaller contractors
can respond, and the deadline is 15
75
00:04:04,680 --> 00:04:06,538
November 2026.
76
00:04:06,658 --> 00:04:10,058
Responding costs you some time, not a bid
bond.
77
00:04:10,351 --> 00:04:14,378
If you already do windows and gutters, you
could end up in a conversation with a
78
00:04:14,445 --> 00:04:16,138
large, multi site client.
79
00:04:16,378 --> 00:04:20,298
If you only do softwashing, it's a
reminder that gutter clearance and window
80
00:04:20,342 --> 00:04:23,338
cleaning are how plenty of commercial
relationships start.
81
00:04:23,558 --> 00:04:27,898
Get through the door with the basics,
document it properly with photos,
82
00:04:27,938 --> 00:04:30,218
and the bigger exterior work can follow
later.
83
00:04:30,358 --> 00:04:33,898
Nothing is promised, but it's worth an
hour of your week.
84
00:04:33,917 --> 00:04:34,637
Third item.
85
00:04:34,824 --> 00:04:38,637
On 27 October, the HSE reported a
prosecution.
86
00:04:38,917 --> 00:04:44,837
Warrington Magistrates' Court fined Epco
Energy Solutions Limited £20,000,
87
00:04:44,893 --> 00:04:50,317
plus £15,239 in costs, on 22 October.
88
00:04:50,537 --> 00:04:55,517
The company had issued false electrical
safety certificates for two hand car washes
89
00:04:55,544 --> 00:04:56,237
in Runcorn.
90
00:04:56,384 --> 00:05:01,277
Those sites were still dangerous, with a
risk of electrocution to staff and the
91
00:05:01,346 --> 00:05:01,917
public.
92
00:05:01,917 --> 00:05:05,597
You're not a car wash, and I'm not going
to pretend this is a new rule for us.
93
00:05:05,730 --> 00:05:06,477
It isn't.
94
00:05:06,617 --> 00:05:10,797
But HSE Inspector Rose Leese-Weller made
the point that businesses with a close
95
00:05:10,840 --> 00:05:14,957
relationship with water need electrical
installations and equipment that are safely
96
00:05:15,015 --> 00:05:16,957
maintained and fit for purpose.
97
00:05:17,085 --> 00:05:18,877
That describes our work.
98
00:05:19,024 --> 00:05:20,997
Think about what you run.
99
00:05:21,037 --> 00:05:24,237
Twelve volt delivery pumps, mains powered
pressure washers,
100
00:05:24,302 --> 00:05:29,437
proportioning systems, immersion heaters,
extension leads, all of it sitting near
101
00:05:29,501 --> 00:05:31,597
lots of water and chemical runoff.
102
00:05:31,785 --> 00:05:35,485
The lesson from that case is paperwork
that doesn't match reality.
103
00:05:36,085 --> 00:05:40,085
A certificate that says everything's fine
while the kit is damaged is worse than no
104
00:05:40,105 --> 00:05:42,605
certificate, because it gives people false
comfort.
105
00:05:43,305 --> 00:05:45,925
So look at your cables, plugs, connectors
and leads.
106
00:05:46,445 --> 00:05:47,844
Look at where they sit when it's wet.
107
00:05:48,365 --> 00:05:49,685
Use RCD protection.
108
00:05:50,105 --> 00:05:54,185
And if something's damaged or you're not
sure, get a competent person to inspect or
109
00:05:54,205 --> 00:05:54,665
repair it.
110
00:05:55,245 --> 00:05:59,725
Those duties already exist under the
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the
111
00:05:59,765 --> 00:06:01,005
Health and Safety at Work etc.
112
00:06:01,385 --> 00:06:02,685
Act 1974.
113
00:06:02,917 --> 00:06:04,957
Finally, the horizon scan.
114
00:06:05,104 --> 00:06:11,397
As at 2 November 2026, I have not verified
any new Great Britain rule on biocides or
115
00:06:11,454 --> 00:06:12,757
sodium hypochlorite.
116
00:06:13,117 --> 00:06:16,757
I haven't found a significant new
softwashing equipment launch.
117
00:06:16,837 --> 00:06:19,797
And there's no new training standard for
exterior cleaning.
118
00:06:20,064 --> 00:06:23,957
If you see somebody online claiming
otherwise, ask for the source.
119
00:06:24,078 --> 00:06:24,738
So the recap.
120
00:06:25,098 --> 00:06:29,278
One, rain has helped, but drought is still
severe in the South West and Sussex,
121
00:06:29,858 --> 00:06:33,838
temporary use bans remain widespread, and
the business use bans for South East Water
122
00:06:33,878 --> 00:06:36,078
and South West Water are still proposals.
123
00:06:36,798 --> 00:06:39,118
Check the supplier's rules and get it in
writing.
124
00:06:40,138 --> 00:06:44,338
Two, Sanctuary Care's care home market
engagement closes 15 November.
125
00:06:44,818 --> 00:06:49,158
It's not a tender, softwashing isn't in
scope, and the figure is an estimate.
126
00:06:50,118 --> 00:06:53,818
Three, check your electrical kit and don't
rely on paperwork alone.
127
00:06:54,318 --> 00:06:58,938
And COSHH, environmental discharge
controls and electrical safety remain the
128
00:06:58,978 --> 00:06:59,498
benchmark.
129
00:07:00,418 --> 00:07:01,158
That's it for this week.
130
00:07:01,578 --> 00:07:02,278
Stay safe out there.
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,920
Right, it's Monday 2 November 2026, and
this is your SoftWash UK industry bulletin.
2
00:00:06,053 --> 00:00:10,001
Three things worth your time, and then a
quick check on what hasn't changed.
3
00:00:10,320 --> 00:00:14,320
I'm starting with water, because it's the
one that can stop you doing a job or leave
4
00:00:14,340 --> 00:00:15,840
you on the wrong side of a rule.
5
00:00:15,875 --> 00:00:19,395
The Environment Agency published its
drought summary on 30 October,
6
00:00:19,431 --> 00:00:21,795
covering 23 to 29 October.
7
00:00:21,995 --> 00:00:27,075
Two named storms, Austen and Boelo, made
it the wettest reporting week in England
8
00:00:27,128 --> 00:00:28,995
since October 2024.
9
00:00:29,125 --> 00:00:33,795
October rainfall to date is 111% of the
long term average.
10
00:00:33,975 --> 00:00:39,235
Reservoir storage for England rose to
57.9% as of 27 October.
11
00:00:39,502 --> 00:00:43,795
So yes, it's been properly wet, and I know
a lot of you looked out of the van window
12
00:00:43,835 --> 00:00:45,235
and thought the problem was over.
13
00:00:45,350 --> 00:00:45,810
It isn't.
14
00:00:46,410 --> 00:00:50,750
That 57.9% is still 19% below average for
the time of year.
15
00:00:51,570 --> 00:00:55,090
Ten reservoirs or reservoir groups are
classed as exceptionally low.
16
00:00:55,670 --> 00:00:57,590
Seventeen are less than half full.
17
00:00:58,290 --> 00:01:02,370
And groundwater levels are still falling
at most sites, because the soil is so dry
18
00:01:02,710 --> 00:01:04,630
that the rain isn't recharging anything
yet.
19
00:01:05,550 --> 00:01:10,850
The Environment Agency also says we need
at least 120% of average rainfall over the
20
00:01:10,890 --> 00:01:14,750
next six months for the whole country to
be out of drought by next spring.
21
00:01:14,958 --> 00:01:18,558
Severe drought remains in parts of
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset,
22
00:01:18,638 --> 00:01:21,278
Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex.
23
00:01:21,422 --> 00:01:25,198
That's the areas relying on Ardingly,
Wimbleball, the Kenninck,
24
00:01:25,318 --> 00:01:30,078
Tottisford and Trenchford group, Venford,
Stithians and Drift,
25
00:01:30,126 --> 00:01:33,358
plus several smaller reservoirs in Devon
and west Cornwall.
26
00:01:33,678 --> 00:01:38,478
If you listened to our earlier episodes,
Drought Rules, Workplace Risks and Runoff
27
00:01:38,545 --> 00:01:43,118
Plans, and the Sussex Water Ban Update,
this is the same story,
28
00:01:43,182 --> 00:01:43,998
just wetter.
29
00:01:44,000 --> 00:01:46,160
Now the bit that matters on the job.
30
00:01:46,232 --> 00:01:49,200
Temporary use bans are still widespread.
31
00:01:49,220 --> 00:01:52,800
The Environment Agency lists Affinity,
Anglian, Bristol, Cambridge,
32
00:01:52,867 --> 00:01:55,840
Essex and Suffolk, Southern for Hampshire
and the Isle of Wight,
33
00:01:55,933 --> 00:01:58,880
South East, South West, Thames and Wessex.
34
00:01:58,980 --> 00:02:03,120
Several of those cover their whole company
area, so read the detail for your
35
00:02:03,191 --> 00:02:04,000
postcode.
36
00:02:04,187 --> 00:02:08,960
On top of that, the smaller appointed
water companies, the NAVs like Leaf,
37
00:02:09,013 --> 00:02:13,120
Leep and Independent Water Networks, have
mirrored the bans for customers in those
38
00:02:13,187 --> 00:02:13,600
areas.
39
00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:17,280
So your customer might not even be with
the company you assume.
40
00:02:17,292 --> 00:02:18,812
One point I want to be careful about.
41
00:02:18,901 --> 00:02:24,012
Proposed business use bans for South East
Water and South West Water are still
42
00:02:24,086 --> 00:02:25,212
applications.
43
00:02:25,260 --> 00:02:27,052
They're at the drought permit stage.
44
00:02:27,116 --> 00:02:29,852
They are not restrictions already in
force.
45
00:02:30,012 --> 00:02:34,012
Don't tell a customer there's a ban on
commercial water use when there isn't one
46
00:02:34,092 --> 00:02:36,733
yet, and don't tell them there's no risk
either.
47
00:02:36,876 --> 00:02:38,012
Both are wrong.
48
00:02:38,182 --> 00:02:39,262
So here's the practical bit.
49
00:02:39,722 --> 00:02:43,822
Before you quote, check your water
supplier's current rules for the property
50
00:02:43,882 --> 00:02:44,262
address.
51
00:02:45,122 --> 00:02:49,562
Before you turn up, confirm in writing
with the customer how the water is being
52
00:02:49,602 --> 00:02:51,762
supplied and what you're allowed to use.
53
00:02:52,622 --> 00:02:57,362
If you're mixing, rinsing and flushing
equipment, work out how much water the job
54
00:02:57,542 --> 00:02:58,302
actually needs.
55
00:02:59,222 --> 00:03:01,922
Rain on the forecast is not a permission
slip.
56
00:03:02,702 --> 00:03:06,862
The rules change when the supplier says
they change, not when the weather does.
57
00:03:07,083 --> 00:03:09,083
Second item, and this one's an
opportunity.
58
00:03:09,171 --> 00:03:13,563
Sanctuary Care, which runs 108 not for
profit care homes across England and
59
00:03:13,616 --> 00:03:16,683
Scotland, has opened a preliminary market
engagement.
60
00:03:16,783 --> 00:03:19,883
The notice is dated 28 to 29 October.
61
00:03:19,995 --> 00:03:24,283
They want feedback from suppliers on
planned and reactive window cleaning,
62
00:03:24,319 --> 00:03:26,603
communal glazing and gutter clearance.
63
00:03:26,663 --> 00:03:30,763
For the gutters, that means downpipes,
hopper heads, clearing debris,
64
00:03:30,803 --> 00:03:34,283
a visual inspection, and photographic
evidence of completion.
65
00:03:34,292 --> 00:03:35,492
Let's be clear on what this is.
66
00:03:35,625 --> 00:03:38,932
It's market research to help shape their
procurement strategy.
67
00:03:38,985 --> 00:03:40,692
It is not a live tender.
68
00:03:40,825 --> 00:03:42,932
It is not an awarded contract.
69
00:03:43,039 --> 00:03:45,092
It's not a guaranteed framework.
70
00:03:45,292 --> 00:03:51,572
The headline figure is £625,000, usually
quoted across a three year term,
71
00:03:51,592 --> 00:03:54,132
but that's an initial estimate and it may
change.
72
00:03:54,332 --> 00:03:58,132
And softwashing is not specified anywhere
in the scope.
73
00:03:58,458 --> 00:03:59,578
So why should you care?
74
00:03:59,668 --> 00:04:04,618
Because regional and smaller contractors
can respond, and the deadline is 15
75
00:04:04,680 --> 00:04:06,538
November 2026.
76
00:04:06,658 --> 00:04:10,058
Responding costs you some time, not a bid
bond.
77
00:04:10,351 --> 00:04:14,378
If you already do windows and gutters, you
could end up in a conversation with a
78
00:04:14,445 --> 00:04:16,138
large, multi site client.
79
00:04:16,378 --> 00:04:20,298
If you only do softwashing, it's a
reminder that gutter clearance and window
80
00:04:20,342 --> 00:04:23,338
cleaning are how plenty of commercial
relationships start.
81
00:04:23,558 --> 00:04:27,898
Get through the door with the basics,
document it properly with photos,
82
00:04:27,938 --> 00:04:30,218
and the bigger exterior work can follow
later.
83
00:04:30,358 --> 00:04:33,898
Nothing is promised, but it's worth an
hour of your week.
84
00:04:33,917 --> 00:04:34,637
Third item.
85
00:04:34,824 --> 00:04:38,637
On 27 October, the HSE reported a
prosecution.
86
00:04:38,917 --> 00:04:44,837
Warrington Magistrates' Court fined Epco
Energy Solutions Limited £20,000,
87
00:04:44,893 --> 00:04:50,317
plus £15,239 in costs, on 22 October.
88
00:04:50,537 --> 00:04:55,517
The company had issued false electrical
safety certificates for two hand car washes
89
00:04:55,544 --> 00:04:56,237
in Runcorn.
90
00:04:56,384 --> 00:05:01,277
Those sites were still dangerous, with a
risk of electrocution to staff and the
91
00:05:01,346 --> 00:05:01,917
public.
92
00:05:01,917 --> 00:05:05,597
You're not a car wash, and I'm not going
to pretend this is a new rule for us.
93
00:05:05,730 --> 00:05:06,477
It isn't.
94
00:05:06,617 --> 00:05:10,797
But HSE Inspector Rose Leese-Weller made
the point that businesses with a close
95
00:05:10,840 --> 00:05:14,957
relationship with water need electrical
installations and equipment that are safely
96
00:05:15,015 --> 00:05:16,957
maintained and fit for purpose.
97
00:05:17,085 --> 00:05:18,877
That describes our work.
98
00:05:19,024 --> 00:05:20,997
Think about what you run.
99
00:05:21,037 --> 00:05:24,237
Twelve volt delivery pumps, mains powered
pressure washers,
100
00:05:24,302 --> 00:05:29,437
proportioning systems, immersion heaters,
extension leads, all of it sitting near
101
00:05:29,501 --> 00:05:31,597
lots of water and chemical runoff.
102
00:05:31,785 --> 00:05:35,485
The lesson from that case is paperwork
that doesn't match reality.
103
00:05:36,085 --> 00:05:40,085
A certificate that says everything's fine
while the kit is damaged is worse than no
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00:05:40,105 --> 00:05:42,605
certificate, because it gives people false
comfort.
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00:05:43,305 --> 00:05:45,925
So look at your cables, plugs, connectors
and leads.
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00:05:46,445 --> 00:05:47,844
Look at where they sit when it's wet.
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00:05:48,365 --> 00:05:49,685
Use RCD protection.
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00:05:50,105 --> 00:05:54,185
And if something's damaged or you're not
sure, get a competent person to inspect or
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00:05:54,205 --> 00:05:54,665
repair it.
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00:05:55,245 --> 00:05:59,725
Those duties already exist under the
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the
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00:05:59,765 --> 00:06:01,005
Health and Safety at Work etc.
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00:06:01,385 --> 00:06:02,685
Act 1974.
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00:06:02,917 --> 00:06:04,957
Finally, the horizon scan.
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00:06:05,104 --> 00:06:11,397
As at 2 November 2026, I have not verified
any new Great Britain rule on biocides or
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00:06:11,454 --> 00:06:12,757
sodium hypochlorite.
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00:06:13,117 --> 00:06:16,757
I haven't found a significant new
softwashing equipment launch.
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00:06:16,837 --> 00:06:19,797
And there's no new training standard for
exterior cleaning.
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00:06:20,064 --> 00:06:23,957
If you see somebody online claiming
otherwise, ask for the source.
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00:06:24,078 --> 00:06:24,738
So the recap.
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00:06:25,098 --> 00:06:29,278
One, rain has helped, but drought is still
severe in the South West and Sussex,
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00:06:29,858 --> 00:06:33,838
temporary use bans remain widespread, and
the business use bans for South East Water
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00:06:33,878 --> 00:06:36,078
and South West Water are still proposals.
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00:06:36,798 --> 00:06:39,118
Check the supplier's rules and get it in
writing.
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00:06:40,138 --> 00:06:44,338
Two, Sanctuary Care's care home market
engagement closes 15 November.
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00:06:44,818 --> 00:06:49,158
It's not a tender, softwashing isn't in
scope, and the figure is an estimate.
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00:06:50,118 --> 00:06:53,818
Three, check your electrical kit and don't
rely on paperwork alone.
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00:06:54,318 --> 00:06:58,938
And COSHH, environmental discharge
controls and electrical safety remain the
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00:06:58,978 --> 00:06:59,498
benchmark.
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00:07:00,418 --> 00:07:01,158
That's it for this week.
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Stay safe out there.
