Water left standing in tanks and pipework gets warm, and bacteria grow. Before a building is used again, the water system should not simply be switched back on. A recommissioning plan makes sure it is safe first.
Water Hygiene Services plans and carries out the recommissioning of water systems for estates managers, facilities managers and building and property managers. We follow HSG274, supporting ACoP L8, and the guidance of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).
When does a building need recommissioning?
- Seasonal closures, for example schools, colleges, holiday lets and venues
- Buildings left empty or lightly used for a period
- After refurbishment or building works
- A change of use, or part of a building brought back into use
- New or extended systems being put into service
- Any period where weekly flushing cannot be carried out
What are the risks of stagnant water?
When water sits in tanks and pipework with little use, it can warm up, and bacteria can start to grow, including Legionella. The longer water sits, the more metals it can pick up from the plumbing, and drinking water quality can fall. That is a risk for the people who use the building, and for you as duty holder.
What should a recommissioning plan include?
- How many buildings need to be recommissioned
- When each building is due to reopen. Work back from that date to allow enough time for every step
- The tasks needed, and how long each takes
- Who is responsible for each step, and whether they have suitable Legionella training and are competent
- Whether partial reoccupation needs extra flushing and monitoring until the building is fully occupied
How is a water system recommissioned?
The level of work should match the level of risk. Very simple buildings may need flushing alone, but most buildings need some form of disinfection. In the worst cases, repeat disinfection and extensive flushing may be needed to clear contamination.
- We review the building, its systems and its recent use, and agree a recommissioning plan with you.
- Tanks are inspected, and cleaned where needed.
- The system is flushed through, outlet by outlet, to remove stagnant water.
- Where the risk calls for it, the system is disinfected.
- Water samples are taken and analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory, where your risk assessment calls for it.
- Temperatures are checked against HSG274, and monitoring and flushing are restarted.
- You receive a record of what was done, for your logbook.
Where we work
We recommission water systems from our base in Leeds, across roughly 100 miles from Leeds along the M62 corridor.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a building be empty before it needs recommissioning?
There is no single limit. If weekly flushing cannot be carried out, you should have a recommissioning plan. Your risk assessment sets what is right for your building.
Is flushing enough?
For very simple buildings it can be. Most buildings need some form of disinfection as well, and your risk assessment sets what is proportionate.
Do we need to sample before reopening?
Not always. It depends on the building, how long it was closed and who will use it. We tell you what the risk calls for.
Can you train our staff to do the flushing?
Yes. We can give your site staff the training they need to carry out and record the flushing.
Contact us for a Free Quote
Very happy with their very high standard of work Water Hygiene Services have been carrying out legionella risk assessments for us for a couple of years now. We have been very happy with their very high standard of work, their ability to work to tight deadlines and the general professional service they provide
