Frequently Asked Questions

As an employer or a person in control of premises, you must appoint person or persons responsible for helping you manage your health and safety duties, e.g. take responsibility for managing risks. A competent person is someone with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety, including control measures. You could appoint one, or a combination of:

• Yourself
• One or more workers
• Someone from outside your business

If you decide to employ contractors such as Water Hygiene Services to carry out your risk assessment or other work, it is still the responsibility of the competent person to ensure that the work is carried out to the required standards. Remember, before you employ a contractor, you should be satisfied that they can do the work you want to the standard that you require.

The purpose of carrying out a risk assessment is to identify and assess any risks in your water system. The responsible person should understand your water systems and any associated equipment, in order to conclude whether the system is likely to create a risk from exposure to legionella, and should be able to identify whether:

• Water is stored or re-circulated as part of your system
• The water temperature in some or all parts of the system is between 20–45 °C
• There are sources of nutrients such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matters
• Conditions are present to encourage bacteria to multiply
• It is possible for water droplets to be produced and, if so, whether they could be dispersed over a wide area, eg showers and aerosols from cooling towers
• I is likely that any of your employees, residents, visitors etc are more susceptible to infection due to age, illness, a weakened immune system etc and whether they could be exposed to any contaminated water droplets

A Risk Assessment should include the following:

management responsibilities, including the name of competent person and a description of your system;

• Potential sources of risk;
• Any controls in place to control risks;
• Monitoring, inspection and maintenance procedures;
• Records of the monitoring results, inspections and checks carried out;
• Arrangements to review the risk assessment regularly  

If you decide that the risks are insignificant, your assessment is complete. You may not need take any further action at this stage but you should review the assessment regularly in case anything changes in your system.

Yes. There may be other factors within your system that increase the risks of legionellosis, e.g. deadlegs, showerheads and/or long runs of pipe work containing warm water. A risk assessment should also consider anyone who could be potentially exposed to any legionella bacteria in your system, and particularly groups that are at a higher risk of contracting legionellosis. However, once you have completed your risk assessment you may decide that the risks are insignificant. If you do, you need take no further action other than to review the assessment regularly in case anything changes in your system.

To effectively control the risks associated with legionella in your water system, it is essential to design, maintain, and operate your water services under conditions that prevent or adequately manage these risks. Access to competent assistance is crucial to fulfilling these obligations.

Identifying and Addressing Risks

If you identify a risk that cannot be fully prevented, it’s important to introduce appropriate controls. This involves implementing a structured approach to controlling legionella risks, including:

• Describing your water system and its components, such as developing a schematic diagram.
• Assigning responsibility for conducting the assessment and managing its implementation.
• Ensuring the safe and correct operation of your water system.
• Implementing control methods and other precautions to mitigate risks.
• Establishing a schedule for checks to ensure risks are managed effectively and conducting these checks at appropriate intervals.

Additional Measures

In addition to the above, consider the following measures where applicable:

• Properly controlling the release of water spray to minimize aerosolization.
• Avoiding water temperatures and conditions that promote the growth of legionella and other microorganisms.
• Preventing water stagnation within the system by minimizing pipe lengths or removing redundant pipework.

By implementing these practices and measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of legionella contamination within your water system and ensure the safety and well-being of those using or exposed to the water supply.

Maintaining the cleanliness of your water system is crucial for ensuring its safe operation. The necessity and methods for cleaning and disinfecting your system will vary based on its type and whether these actions are part of routine maintenance or in response to identified issues during monitoring.

Frequency and Methods

The frequency and approach to routine cleaning and disinfection should be determined as part of your risk assessment. Factors considered in this assessment include:

• Whether the system is open or closed.
• The type and level of contamination present.
• The population that could potentially be exposed to the water.

Tailored Approach

Your risk assessment should outline specific cleaning and disinfection protocols that are appropriate for your unique water system. This tailored approach ensures that cleaning and disinfection activities are effective in maintaining water quality and minimizing risks associated with microbial contamination.

By adhering to the cleaning and disinfection guidelines established in your risk assessment, you can proactively manage the cleanliness of your water system and safeguard the health and well-being of those who use or come into contact with the water supply.

Every water system requires a risk assessment, although not all systems will necessitate extensive control measures. A straightforward risk assessment may indicate low risks that are being effectively managed to comply with regulations. In such cases, further action may not be required immediately, but it’s crucial to periodically review your assessment for any changes in the system’s conditions. Additional guidance is available for premises controllers, such as landlords, in HSG 274 Part 2: Hot and cold water systems (PDF).

For instance, a low-risk scenario might be identified in:

• Small buildings without individuals particularly vulnerable to legionella bacteria.
• Systems where daily water usage is sufficient to turn over the entire system.
• Settings with cold water directly from a wholesome mains supply (without stored water tanks).
• Installations with hot water supplied by instantaneous or low-volume water heaters (at 50°C to outlets).
• Locations with only toilets and wash basins (without showers).

How often do I have to check the temperature of my system?

The frequency of temperature checks depends on your risk assessment outcomes and system components. Specific advice for hot and cold water systems can be found in HSG 274 Part 2 (PDF) and the Hot and Cold Water Table.

Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) in Care Homes: What are the key issues?

TMVs play a critical role in preventing scalding in health and social care environments where water temperatures are elevated. The scalding risk should be assessed and managed based on the vulnerability of individuals in care. For vulnerable individuals with access to showers or baths, and where scalding risks are significant, Type 3 TMVs are recommended. More details can be found in HSG220 ‘Health and Safety in Care Homes’ and on the Scalding and Burning webpage.

Reducing outlet temperatures with TMVs may increase the risk of legionella bacteria growth. To manage this risk, TMVs should be located as close as possible to the point of use and flushed regularly. Further guidance on monitoring TMV water temperatures can be found in HSG 274 Part 2, sections 2.74-2.76 and 2.163-2.165 (PDF).

Spa Pools: Is there a risk of Legionellosis?

Spa pools pose a significant risk of legionellosis if not properly maintained. Detailed guidance on duties related to spa pool management can be found in ‘Management of Spa Pools – Controlling the Risks of Infection’ (PDF).

Identifying Risk Systems

Specific information on water systems posing legionella exposure risks is outlined in HSG 274 Part 3 (PDF). Conducting a risk assessment is essential to identify sources of risk in your water system. Understanding your water system and associated equipment will help determine if it is susceptible to legionella exposure, considering factors such as water storage, temperature, nutrient sources, bacteria multiplication conditions, and potential water dispersal through aerosols.

If risks are deemed insignificant following assessment, no further action is necessary apart from periodic assessment reviews to address any system changes.

Water Hygiene Services specialises in comprehensive water monitoring services and water safety solutions. Our experienced in-house workforce provides a range of services tailored to our clients’ needs, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and dedication.

Water Hygiene Services has been recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing Legionella Control companies, as highlighted in a 2019 Plimsoll Analysis report. This accolade reflects our commitment to excellence and our proactive approach to water safety and legionella control.

Water Hygiene Services is a member of leading industry bodies such as the Legionella Control Association (LCA) and Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS). We prioritise staying informed about legislative updates and health and safety practices to deliver innovative services and maintain the highest standards of compliance.

To request a quote or discuss your upcoming project with us, please contact Water Hygiene Services today. Our team is ready to assist you and provide tailored solutions to meet your water monitoring and safety needs. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure the safety and quality of your water systems.

During periods of building closure, stagnant water in water tank systems can lead to microbial regrowth, increased water temperatures, and the absorption of plumbing metals. These factors contribute to a decline in water quality, posing potential health risks and increasing the likelihood of Legionella bacteria formation.

The Legionella Control Association (LCA) issued guidance on May 13, 2020, emphasising the importance of not immediately resuming water system use when reopening buildings after COVID-19 restrictions. Dutyholders are advised to formulate recommissioning plans to ensure buildings reopen safely and free of bacteria.

When creating a recommissioning plan, consider the following:

• Number of buildings requiring recommissioning.
• Reopening dates and necessary timelines for each step.
• Tasks needed to complete the recommissioning process and their durations.
• Assignment of responsibilities to competent personnel, with proof of Legionella training if required.
• Requirements for partial reoccupation and additional flushing or monitoring until full occupation.

How is a water system recommissioned effectively?

The recommissioning process should align with guidelines from Gov.uk, LCA, Public Health England, and the HSE, considering documents such as ACoP L8 and HSG 274. Depending on the building’s complexity and risk level, recommissioning may involve flushing, disinfection, or extensive cleansing to clear contamination.

For guidance and assistance with recommissioning water systems, including Legionella awareness training, please contact Water Hygiene Services. Our team is equipped to support you in ensuring the safety and compliance of your water systems before reopening.

To reach Water Hygiene Services, you can contact us directly using the information below:

Phone: +0113 267 9785

Email: info@waterhygieneservices.co.uk

Website: www.waterhygieneservices.co.uk

As an employer or a person in control of premises, you must:

• Identify and assess sources of risk
• Prepare a scheme (or course of action) for preventing or controlling the risk
• Implement and manage the scheme
• Appoint a person to be managerially responsible
• Keep records and ensure effective control
• Ensure your staff are aware of the risk

Our Legionella package includes the following:

• Legionella Risk assessment of site water systems
• Design of a site specific log book and monitoring regime
• Schematics
• Remedial action list
• Training (on site and Legionella awareness).
• City & Guilds qualified risk assessors
• Automated risk assessment software
• Online portal access to the risk assessment, monitoring records and remedial action list