A Lid Alone Isn’t Enough – The Hidden Risks of Tank Neglect
This image serves as a striking example of why simply having a tank lid in place is not enough—and why routine inspection, maintenance, and hygiene controls are essential, as laid out in HSG274 Part 2. While the cold water storage tank shown here did have a lid fitted, it had clearly been neglected for a… Read more »
Staff Interviews April 2025
See what our staff think about GMS in the below video captured at our team away day 2025.
Meet the Team: Maddie Smout
At GMS, our people are at the heart of what we do—and today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest members of our close-knit family, Maddie Smout! Having joined us six months ago, Maddie has quickly become an integral part of our daily operations and a friendly, reliable point of contact for… Read more »
Meet the Team: Tom Sullivan
At GMS, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the people who help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes—and on the front lines. Today, we’re catching up with Tom Sullivan, one of our dedicated Water Hygiene Engineers, who’s been with us for the past eight months. Tom joined GMS eight months ago and hit… Read more »
Meet the Team: Aaron Lyons – Water Hygiene Technician
We’re excited to introduce one of the friendly faces behind the great work we do here at GMS – Aaron Lyons, one of our dedicated Water Hygiene Technicians, who has been with us for almost a year. Aaron plays a crucial role in keeping our clients’ water systems safe and compliant. His day-to-day responsibilities include:… Read more »
The Critical Importance of Water Hygiene Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) in Healthcare Settings
In healthcare environments—where vulnerable patients rely on safe, clean surroundings—water hygiene is not just a compliance issue; it’s a critical aspect of patient safety and infection control. Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) for water systems is an essential strategy to prevent microbial contamination, protect at-risk individuals, and meet stringent regulatory standards. What is Water Hygiene PPM?… Read more »
Meet Alex Stelmach – Keeping the GMS Engine Running Smoothly
Today on Meet the Team, we’re catching up with the wonderful Alex Stelmach, who plays a crucial role behind the scenes at GMS. With over two years of experience under her belt, Alex has become an essential part of the team—known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team spirit. A Day in the… Read more »
Contract News!
GMS is proud to announce that we have been awarded a new contract to deliver Legionella Services for Bolton Council over the next three years. This marks a continuation of a longstanding relationship with Bolton Council, spanning 19 years through both direct contracts and partnerships with FM providers. We are now delighted to be reappointed… Read more »
Why Dirty Water Systems May Show No Detectable Legionella: A Closer Look at Bacterial Dynamics and Mutations
In water hygiene management, it’s not uncommon to encounter heavily contaminated water systems that, despite appearing ideal for Legionella pneumophila proliferation, return negative results for Legionella during microbiological analysis. These situations often raise questions about sampling accuracy, environmental suitability, bacterial competition, and the complex behaviour of microbial communities under stress. High TVC, No Legionella: What’s… Read more »
Legionella Infection: Transmission, Risk Factors, and Control Guidance
The likelihood of developing legionellosis depends on the vulnerability of the individual and the route of exposure. The primary means of infection is through inhaling aerosols—tiny airborne particles that originate from droplets. These aerosols are typically produced when water is sprayed (e.g. from showers, irrigation systems) or splashes onto surfaces (e.g. turning on a tap… Read more »
