When you think about school safety, water might not be the first thing on your mind. But water systems can hide dangers, especially without proper checks. Protecting students and staff is serious, and following a legionella risk assessment checklist can help you spot issues early.
This guide shows why a legionella risk assessment is important and how to carry it out. Staying on top of checks helps schools, universities, and academies keep everyone safe and compliant.
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment Checklist?
A legionella risk assessment checklist is a list of steps to help schools check their water systems for problems. When using this assessment, the responsible person goes through key checks on pipes, tanks, and outlets for Legionella risk. The aim is to notice risks, like stagnant water or the wrong temperatures, that can lead to Legionella bacteria growth. Every part gets checked using this method. You can use a Legionella risk assessment template for a suitable and sufficient assessment that helps keep people safe.
More About Legionella Bacteria
Legionella bacteria are tiny germs found in natural water, but they are much more dangerous when they get inside school or university buildings. They like warm temperatures, usually between 20°C and 45°C. If people breathe in water droplets with legionella, they could get legionnaires disease, which can be very serious. Plumbing that goes unused, especially during holidays, gives the bacteria time to grow. That’s why a thorough legionella risk assessment is needed in places like schools.
Legionella Risk Management
Risk management means having a plan to keep Legionella from spreading in water systems. This is not just about one check—regular reviews are key. A proper risk assessment checks all the places where risk could appear. Control measures, such as flushing taps and regular cleaning, are needed to control Legionella. The duty holder or responsible person should have a clear plan and make sure all steps are followed to minimise exposure and keep everyone safe.
Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA)
Carrying out a legionella assessment is not optional; it is a legal requirement. In this process, the employer or person in control checks the hot water systems and cold water systems to see if there’s any danger. They record risks like rust, debris, or stagnant water. For workplaces with five or more employees, the risk assessment must be written down. If ignored, people’s health is at risk, and there could be trouble with the safety executive or local authority.
Develop a Water Safety Plan
After all risks have been found, it’s time for a water safety plan. This plan explains how you will control the risk every day. It usually has a schematic diagram of your water system, clear instructions, and details about who does what. The plan should show what steps to take if issues appear. This document must be updated if the building changes or new information comes up. Keeping it current shows you take health seriously.
Monitoring Water Temperature
One of the main ways to control Legionella is by monitoring water temperature. Hot water needs to be stored and delivered at certain temperatures to prevent bacteria. Water should reach 60°C or more in hot water cylinders and should not drop below 50°C at taps. Cold water must stay below 20°C to avoid risk. Checking these temperatures often, especially at main outlets, helps stop Legionella growth in your property.
Regular Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection of all water outlets is key to Legionella control. Dirt, limescale, and sludge in pipes give the bacteria places to grow. Use a routine to check showerheads, taps, and tanks for build-up. Clean them regularly, usually every three months, and check tanks yearly. If you see signs of problems, act straight away. This kind of care means Legionella doesn’t get the chance to gain a foothold in your system.
Train Staff in Water Safety
Staff need Legionella awareness training so they know what to look for and what to do. Training makes sure key personnel, like the legionella responsible person, know how to spot risk, take water samples, and keep records. If the team understands water safety, they’re less likely to miss important tasks. Set up regular training to cover all aspects. When everyone understands their role, the whole system works better.
Remove Dead Legs
Dead legs are parts of pipes that no longer get used but still hold water. These are perfect spots for legionella growth, especially if water sits untouched for a long time. During your risk assessment checklist, check for areas that stay unused—this is common in buildings with long breaks, like schools. Remove these dead legs if possible. If they can’t be taken out, make sure they’re flushed out on a regular basis to prevent stagnant water.
Hire a Professional
Sometimes water systems are complicated and need expert help. When in doubt, it’s smart to get a competent person or a specialist company, like Comfort Services Group, to do the assessment. Professionals know the details of suitable and sufficient assessment and often see risks others don’t. They can suggest recommended measures for controlling legionella and make sure you’re following the approved code or any other needed guidance. Relying on trained experts protects both your building and the people using it.
Approved Code and Health Regulations
Schools and universities must comply with health regulations. The Health and Safety Executive’s rulebook, like the approved code ACoP L8, explains what is legally required. If something goes wrong and you haven’t followed these laws, there could be serious consequences. A clear plan and following set guidelines help keep your building safe and you within the law. It is important that all key personnel are aware of this approved code and what it means.
ACoP L8
ACoP L8 is a short practical guide. It tells you what you need to do to meet your legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. For anyone in charge, this code is a must-read, as it spells out who is responsible and what checks must be done, as well as when a regular review is needed.
HSG274 (Parts 1, 2 and 3)
HSG274 provides technical advice for different water systems. Part 2 talks about controlling Legionella in hot and cold water. These guides are useful for writing up safety rules and creating checklists for schools, helping you use the right steps the first time.
Legionella Risk Assessment Template Checklist
A checklist helps you cover every area in your legionella assessment. By following a risk assessment checklist, nothing gets overlooked. Templates lay out all the points you need to review and record, making the process clear for the responsible person and key team members.
1. Did you consider whether you could estimate the risk?
Before starting, you need to see if the risks are clear and can be measured. Look at your systems: hot water cylinders, spa pools, cooling towers, and the ages of those in the building. If some areas are hard to check, you might need more detailed or professional help for a sufficient assessment.
2. Did the person carrying out the legionella assessment have access to competent help and advice when carrying out the assessment?
Anyone inspecting the water systems should know what they’re doing. If they don’t understand something, they must have access to advice from someone who does. This makes sure you don’t miss any problems. It’s not safe for people to guess, so the right help is needed every time.
3. Have you identified the circumstances which would require review of assessment?
The risk assessment should not stand still. Decide exactly what changes will need a review. If you move walls, add new water outlets, or change the way the building is used, reassess. Also, if people get sick, or bacteria is found, review at once. This keeps your safety plan current.
4. Has a ‘responsible person’ been identified in writing?
It’s necessary to have a responsible person who takes charge of the legionella risk. Their name and job should be recorded in writing. This is the person who handles both the plan and the checks. If your system isn’t working, this person can act quickly, making decisions for the team.
5. Is there a nominated deputy responsible person?
What if the main person is away? A deputy is needed for the system to work every day, holidays included. This deputy should be named in the documents and know how to handle all the duties. Having this in place means your legionella risk management doesn’t stop.
6. Are contact details for these people available (in case of emergency)?
If there’s ever an emergency, like a system break or suspected case, you need to reach the right people fast. Full contact details for responsible persons and deputies should be easy for all staff to find. This avoids delay and means action can happen straight away to keep people safe.
7. Are the roles and responsibilities of all the staff involved in the control regime clearly defined in writing?
Everyone working with water systems must know their job. Write things down: who checks water temperature, who signs logs, and who deals with problems if they appear. Roles must be clear so the right actions are taken, and nothing is missed by mistake.
8. Have they all received appropriate training?
All staff involved need training, even if they only do small jobs. Training should cover spotting problems, what actions to take, and how to record checks. Keep records of all training, so there is proof for the safety executive and for your own review.
9. If external contractors are used, are their responsibilities and roles clearly defined in writing?
When you bring in outside help, write down exactly what the contractor is supposed to do. Contractors and school staff should have separate roles spelt out. The legal duty stays with the school, so manage the contractor to make sure all safety steps are followed.
10. Have you checked the competence of contractors?
Check if contractors are really qualified to do the job. Ask for details, like training certificates or registered memberships. See if they already work in schools or residential buildings. Don’t allow anyone to take on the work if you’re not sure they can do it safely.
We Install Control Measures for Your Hot and Cold Water Systems in the Education Sector
Comfort Services Group is ready to help schools and academies control legionella. Our team installs the right control measures for both hot and cold water systems. From removing dead legs to updating tanks and adjusting temperatures, we cover every step. We understand the rules for the education sector and make sure all solutions follow the approved code and health regulations. With our help, your school can meet all safety checks and keep everyone protected.
FAQs
Is a Legionella risk assessment mandatory?
Yes, a legionella risk assessment is a legal requirement. If you own or manage a school, academy, or university, you must check for Legionella risk. This rule comes from health regulations, and failing to comply can have legal consequences. It’s not just a best practice; it’s a legal duty.
Why does a Legionella risk assessment matter in the education sector?
Large buildings with complex water systems (especially those unused during breaks) can be high risk for legionella. An assessment helps spot unsafe areas and keeps students, staff, and visitors from harm. With many people in one place, quick prevention and response are vital for everyone’s health.
How often do you need a legionella assessment in the education sector?
There is no firm rule, but most schools review their legionella risk assessment every two years. You should also review it if building use changes or new risks are discovered. Keeping your assessment current means your school remains compliant and as safe as possible.
We are proud to share our experience and knowledge and take pride in offering this to all clients when required. If I, or one of the team can help then please schedule a meeting via the office or get in touch via one of our social media platforms.
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