Potable water carrier food business licensee roles and responsibility
Potable water carrier businesses must ensure their tanker design and fit-out is suitable for holding potable water. Carriers must then obtain a food business licence with the local government in an area where the food business will operate.
Potable water carrier businesses must ensure:
all food handlers working for the potable water carrier have appropriate skills and knowledge in food safety and food hygiene matters appropriate to their work activities.
there is a food safety supervisor continually in place for the food business.
all water distributed is fit for human consumption and complies with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 6 and/or the World Health Organisation - Guidelines for drinking water quality.
the water carrier is not used for any purpose other than to collect, transport and supply drinking water.
the council is notified of any change to the food business including change of tanker or registration number, prior to commencement of any changes.
the exterior surface of the domestic water carrying vehicle, pipelines, fittings and other equipment is kept in a clean condition at all times and not cause contamination of the water.
all pipes and hoses are to be capped so as to prevent the contamination of couplings and hose interiors when hoses are not in use and laid flat and secured in a dust proof container during transportation.
a dispersal plate should be attached to the end of the delivery hose to assist in not causing undue agitation of sediment on the floor of the tank receiving the water.
water carrier food businesses must clean and sanitise their tanks, hoses and any other equipment that comes into contact with drinking water. This needs to be carried out at least every three months so as to ensure that the drinking water provided is safe.
the words 'Drinking water only' are prominently displayed on the side and rear of the tank in letters at least 150mm in height and in a contrasting colour to background.
the interior of the water tank is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, free from rust and other foreign matter.
the trading name and telephone number of the water carrier is also prominently displayed on the tank in letters not less that 75mm in height to enable easy identification of licensed mobile premises.
A log book for must be kept for every tanker and should include:
- details of the date, destination and volume of bulk potable water delivered
- chemical treatment test results for each load of potable water delivered (free available chlorine)
- the date of cleaning and inspection of tanks and fittings
- how cleaning and sanitising water was disposed.
