Guidance On Cleaning - Swift Vehicle Owner's Manual

GUIDANCE ON CLEANING PORTABLE
WATER TANKS AND THE WATER SYSTEM
IN TOURING AND MOTOR CARAVANS
The water systems, and in particular storage
tanks, in caravans are susceptible to
contamination by bacteria if care is not taken
with their use and cleaning. The symptoms
caused by bacterial contamination are not
purely limited to gastro-intestinal diseases,
but may also manifest themselves as ear,
nose, throat, eye or skin infections. It is
therefore important that you carry out the
following procedure prior to using the
caravan each time, even if you boil or filter
all water you use for drinking.
Separate Water Containers
1. All water remaining in the container
should be disposed of so that the
container is empty.
2. The outside of the container should be
thoroughly cleansed and washed down to
remove any dirt, dust or other contaminant.
Water at a suitably hot temperature
containing an appropriate detergent is
recommended for this purpose.
3. Water should be put in the container,
swirled around, then emptied out.
4. The container should then be totally filled
with water containing an appropriate
sterilant solution and allowed to stand for
the recommended contact time (e.g.
Milton for 15 minutes).
5. The solution should be emptied from the
container.
6. The opening of the container should be
cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate
prepared wipe impregnated with a
sterilant.
7. The container should be inverted whilst
stored overnight (if possible).
8. The container must be filled with mains
water only and mains water only should
be used for the above cleaning
procedure.
9. On no account should garden hoses be
used to fill water tanks.
For Systems:
1. Drain down the system (open all taps to
allow air in, enabling the system to drain
quickly). (See Maintenance Systems).
2. Remove any water filters fitted, and
replace with a short length of hose or
empty filter cartridge (this will ensure the
filter is not affected by the disinfectant/
sterilant solution).
3. Fill the system by using the pump with a
disinfectant/sterilant solution (check that
the solution at full strength appears at all
taps/showers). Allow to stand for the
recommended period of time.
4. Drain the system completely.
5. Thoroughly clean the outside of all
taps/connectors with a cloth soaked in
Services
the disinfectant/sterilant.
6. Flush the system through with clean
drinking water until no traces of
disinfectant/sterilant can be detected at
any tap.
7. Replace the filter.
Suitable sterilising chemicals are available
from your caravan dealer, accessory shop,
chemist or home-brew shops. It is not,
however, recommended to use bleach or
sodium metabisulphite.
This guidance has been prepared with the
kind co-operation and assistance of The
Environmental Health Department of The
Borough Council of King's Lynn and West
Norfolk.
WARRANTY
Products are guaranteed from the date of
purchase against defects in materials and
workmanship. If the unit proves faulty, return
it to your supplier with proof of purchase and
purchase date. Please note that frost
damage is not a valid warranty claim.
The manufacturer retains the right to repair
or replace the unit. The manufacturer cannot
be held responsible for claims arising from
incorrect installation, unauthorised
modification or misuse of the product. The
above does not affect your statutory rights.
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