Advice - BISHTA
Introduction
Spas have for a long time been proven to provide health benefits through hydrotherapeutic massage, relaxation, reduction of stress and pain relief. There is the added benefit of being a wonderful asset for family and friends in the home and garden.
The UK spa and hot tub industry is experiencing substantial growth in sales. With growing public demands for improved lifestyle and leisure this trend is set to continue. It is the industry's responsibility to ensure the customer gets the best products and advice to ensure safety and long term use.
Key suppliers and manufacturers have striven to ensure the highest of standards when presenting their products and explaining their use to the public. Unfortunately a few 'rogue traders' with questionable advice and sales techniques have been attracted by the industry's growth. Together with increased public awareness of Legionnaire's Disease in this country and in Europe (although spa pools are not a major source of these outbreaks), the industry has recognised the need to reassure the public on these issues.
The industry has set up an association which is setting strict standards to help protect the general public and to encourage all traders to comply. This association is called BISHTA, (the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association), its members are the manufacturers, importers and retail outlets of domestic self-contained spas and hot tubs in Britain and Ireland.
BISHTA offers training, provides suitable documentation and publicity material and lobbies, where appropriate, to ensure that the BISHTA spa safety message is recognised by the Trade and enforcement authorities.
BISHTA is a subsidiary of the BSPF (British Swimming Pools Federation), which is the umbrella organisation for the UK swimming pool and spa industry and is represented on the BSPF Board which sets overall industry policy on wet leisure matters.
BISHTA Objectives
- To promote safe spa water in all products supplied by members, in particular on display and exhibition sites.
- To ensure that all outlets served by them have staff members properly trained by BISHTA approved personnel in basic spa water hygiene and treatment. To adopt procedures for regular testing and recording of spa water quality on their site. Product displays will carry the BISHTA logo to show they have been trained to BISHTA showroom standards.
- All BISHTA members subscribe to a code of practice that they will trade fairly and in a positive way to enhance the reputation of the industry and its products.
What is the purpose of BISHTA?
BISHTA has been established to educate and protect the public against the hazards that may arise from poorly maintained spas. BISHTA will also strive to promote best practice among its members in the fields of product claims, trading practices and clear and accurate information to their customers.
How does it do this?
BISHTA has prepared standards for the operation and maintenance of self-contained spas which are based on the Health & Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice (L.8). Further standards relating to the construction of spas as well as codes of business practice and ethics will be introduced once the membership is established and technical and ethics committees are elected.
How is this monitored?
Initially it is important that everyone involved in the spa business is aware of the existence of BISHTA and the draft standards. The membership is open for everyone in the Trade to apply. Members include manufacturers, importers, retailers and service providers.
When a company signs up to the Association they will have to accept the standards and any codes of practice approved by the Association. BISHTA have a technical adviser whose role includes monitoring on-site conditions and liaising with customers over complaints. In addition the committee also deals with ethical problems arising from complaints by customers or other members.
Any complaints are dealt with by the committee and are usually resolved in consultation with the member involved. In the worst case the member could be expelled from BISHTA.
What else does BISHTA offer?
BISHTA has information sources for members and publishes lists of suppliers and other members. It has well-established links to Government and statutory bodies (HSE etc) and a mediating service when members and customers cannot agree.
It can provide training facilities for members on water treatment and other subjects.
BISHTA receive enquiries from the public and responds with information on a regional basis about members.
Therefore if you are committed to the advancement of the industry and your company in particular, you cannot afford to be on the outside looking in. By joining BISHTA you can be on the inside, influencing the way in which the industry develops.
What do I do next?
Access the BISHTA website on www.bishta.com and download an application form. Once complete this can be sent or faxed to the BISHTA office. You will then receive all the necessary BISHTA documentation along with a disk.
BISHTA – 4 Eastgate House – East Street – Andover – SP10 1EP
(T) 01264 356 210 – (F) 01264 332 628
www.bishta.com - email: admin@bishta.co.uk