Keeping Building Water Safe: Steps to Prevent Legionella

Ensuring the safety and quality of water within buildings is essential for protecting public health. Waterborne pathogens like Legionella bacteria can thrive in poorly maintained systems, leading to serious illnesses such as Legionnaires’ disease.

To reduce the risk of contamination and stay compliant with health and safety regulations, it’s important to take proactive steps. Below, we explore key practices for Legionella prevention and maintaining safe, compliant water systems in commercial and residential buildings.

Conducting a Comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment

The first step in any Legionella control programme is to carry out a detailed Legionella risk assessment. This helps identify areas within your water system that could support bacterial growth. Consider factors such as pipe layout, water storage, usage patterns, and ambient temperatures.

Based on the findings, put appropriate control measures in place. These may include:

Ongoing temperature monitoring
Biocide dosing
Flushing of little-used outlets to prevent stagnation

If you haven’t had your water systems assessed in the last two years, now’s the time to book a Legionella risk assessment with a competent professional.

Temperature Control and Monitoring

Keeping water temperatures within safe limits is one of the most effective ways to inhibit Legionella growth.

Hot water should be stored at 60°C and distributed at no less than 50°C
Cold water should be kept below 20°C

Install a temperature monitoring system at key points (sentinel taps) throughout the building to ensure consistent compliance. Any temperature drift should be investigated and corrected promptly to avoid potential hazards.

Routine Maintenance and Inspection

Establishing a regular maintenance schedule helps prevent conditions that allow Legionella to multiply. Key tasks include:

Weekly flushing of infrequently used outlets
Inspection and cleaning of storage tanks and calorifiers
Annual TMV servicing to ensure correct temperature mixing and performance
Descaling and disinfection as needed

Staying on top of these tasks ensures your systems stay safe and efficient.

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Sentinel Monitoring Programmes

Sentinel monitoring allows you to track system performance at critical points, offering early detection of potential issues. Monitor water temperature, flow rates, and disinfection levels regularly.

If parameters fall outside expected ranges, corrective action should be taken immediately. Continuous monitoring is especially important in larger or high-risk buildings such as healthcare settings and care homes.

Staff Training and Awareness

Effective Legionella prevention relies on knowledgeable staff. Provide clear training on:

Safe system operation
Maintenance procedures
Emergency protocols in the event of suspected contamination

Encourage staff to report irregularities in temperature, water clarity, or odours. Raising general awareness fosters a proactive safety culture across the building.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

Proper record-keeping isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal requirement under the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8).

Keep up-to-date logs of:

Risk assessments
Temperature readings
Maintenance visits and completed works
Water sampling results
Any incidents or corrective actions taken

Well-maintained records not only demonstrate compliance but also help identify trends and recurring issues over time.

Work with Qualified Water Treatment Specialists

Prevention is always more effective (and cost-efficient) than reactive treatment. By partnering with experienced professionals like Dantek Environmental Services, you benefit from expert guidance and tailored solutions.

We offer a full range of Legionella control services, including:

Ready to Make Your Building Water Safe?

Get in touch with Dantek today to schedule a Legionella risk assessment or discuss your current water hygiene compliance. Our team works with businesses, schools, healthcare settings, and facilities managers across the UK.