Total Environmental Compliance (TEC), a PTSG Company, marked a significant milestone last month as it celebrated 30 years at the forefront of water safety and Legionella control.
From its beginnings in a small office in Cheshire, with just a handful of staff, to becoming one of the UK’s leading environmental consultancies; TEC has consistently pioneered innovative approaches to water safety management. Now, coinciding with this anniversary, the company is celebrating the success of its ground-breaking remote temperature monitoring service, a solution set to transform how organisations approach legionella compliance.
From Paperwork to Digital Revolution
“I still remember the mountains of paperwork,” recalls Mark Drinkhill, TEC’s Managing Director, who’s witnessed the industry’s transformation firsthand. “Back in the 90s, water compliance meant endless temperature logs filled out by hand, filed away in cabinets, and often forgotten until an audit or, worse, an incident occurred.”
“The problems weren’t just administrative – they were practical. If a temperature reading showed non-compliance, it might be weeks before anyone actually saw that information and took action. That delay created real risk.
“Today, 24/7/365 remote temperature monitoring technology enables us to manage non-compliance alerts and easily access temperature data.
“When we first started in this business, water safety compliance was typically managed through manual paper-based systems, with technicians physically visiting sites to take temperature readings and complete logbooks. The industry has undergone a complete transformation since then,” Mark explains.
The Human Side of Compliance
Despite the technological advances, Mark is quick to emphasise that relationship-building remains at the core of effective water safety management.
“In the early days, we spent a lot of time just explaining what Legionella was and why people should care. Many facilities managers saw compliance as a box-ticking exercise rather than a crucial health and safety issue.
That educational challenge has evolved considerably. “Today, we see far greater understanding across organisations, from board level down, about the critical importance of water safety compliance. This shift in awareness has been one of the most positive changes we’ve witnessed,” says Mark.
This partnership approach is evident in TEC’s longstanding relationships with clients like MHA (Methodist Homes), Torus Housing, NHS, Cranfield University, Citizen, Greensquare Accord and Kier to name a few, where they’ve worked for several years to develop comprehensive water safety solutions across hundreds of sites UK wide.
A Changing Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory framework surrounding water safety has undergone significant transformation during TEC’s history and the team have witnessed the introduction and evolution of ACoP L8, HSG274, and other guidelines that have shaped modern water safety practice.
“When we started, the guidance was relatively basic,” Mark reflects. “Today’s framework is much more comprehensive, which is great for public safety, but it does create challenges for organisations trying to navigate increasingly complex requirements.”
The Remote Monitoring Revolution
Watching a demonstration of TEC’s new Remote Monitoring Testing system reveals its elegance. Small, discreet sensors attached to pipework continuously measure water temperatures, sending data via secure networks to a cloud platform. The interface is surprisingly straightforward, with colour-coded indicators showing compliance status and trends over time.
“Our new remote monitoring technology is the natural next step in this evolution,” continues Mark. “It addresses the key challenges our clients have faced for years: ensuring consistent monitoring, reducing the resource burden, eliminating human error, and having immediate access to compliance data whenever required.”
The new remote monitoring system uses smart sensors and secure cloud technology to continuously monitor water temperatures across domestic hot and cold water systems. The solution automatically sends alerts when temperatures fall outside of compliant ranges, allowing for immediate corrective action.
“What we’re most proud of is how this technology combines our 30 years of practical experience with cutting-edge innovation. This isn’t just about automation – it’s about applying three decades of compliance knowledge to create a solution that truly works for our clients.”
The benefits extend beyond compliance. The system reduces the carbon footprint associated with regular site visits while delivering significant cost savings through more efficient resource allocation and early identification of potential issues.
“The carbon footprint of sending engineers to sites just to take temperature readings is enormous. By remotely monitoring these systems, we’re not only improving safety but also significantly reducing environmental impact,” Mark points out.
Looking to the Future
As TEC celebrates this milestone anniversary, Mark and TEC’s team of 120 staff remain focused on what lies ahead. “We’ve seen tremendous change over the years, but I believe the next decade will bring even more transformation. The integration of AI and predictive analytics into water safety management will take us from monitoring what’s happening now to predicting issues before they occur.”
“Looking back over 30 years, the fundamental principles of water safety haven’t changed – what’s transformed is how we achieve and maintain compliance,” reflects Mark. “With remote monitoring, we’re offering organisations a way to have greater control and visibility over their water systems than ever before, which ultimately means safer environments for everyone.”
As TEC blows out the candles on its 30th anniversary cake, it’s clear that this celebration isn’t just about looking back. With its longstanding client relationships and new remote monitoring technology, the company is firmly focused on the future and ready to write the next chapter in its remarkable story.
“When I think about what’s driven our success over the years, it always comes back to our people and our partnerships with clients,” concludes Mark. “As technology continues to evolve, those relationships remain at the heart of everything we do. Our remote monitoring solution may represent the future of compliance technology, but it’s built on decades of understanding what our clients truly need.”
For more information about TEC’s new remote temperature monitoring solution, visit www.tecompliance.co.uk or call 0151 257 9302.
