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Determining Fair Pricing for Legionella Risk Assessments in the Hospitality Industry

Maintaining compliance while upholding quality and service standards remains paramount for businesses in the hospitality sector. Whether you’re managing a hotel, restaurant, or any other establishment, ensuring Legionella risk assessments are conducted at fair prices without compromising on efficacy is crucial. This blog aims to provide insights tailored to the hospitality industry, helping you make informed decisions when seeking Legionella risk assessment services.

A good starting point for finding reliable Legionella risk assessment providers is the Legionella Control Association (LCA) website. By browsing through the directory of approved contractors on the LCA website, you can identify reputable suppliers who adhere to stringent standards in Legionella bacteria control for water systems.

Legionella risk assessments typically involve consultancy services that require on-site visits and the subsequent generation of detailed reports. To obtain accurate pricing, contractors usually assess the time required to complete the assessment and generate the report. This assessment is based on a predetermined day rate, which varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the site and geographical location.

Several factors influence the cost of Legionella risk assessments:

Geographical Location: The location of your establishment affects travel time, which is factored into the overall cost. While choosing local contractors may be advantageous for single or nearby sites, opting for contractors from outside your area could lead to cost savings, especially for franchises and chains.

Complexity of Water Systems: The complexity of your water assets and systems impacts the duration of the assessment. Providing comprehensive information about your establishment, including system intricacies, enables contractors to provide accurate estimates. All water assets, from domestic systems to specialized equipment, should be included in the assessment.

Practical Outputs: Beyond ensuring compliance, Legionella risk assessments offer valuable insights into your water assets. Discussing practical outputs with suppliers, such as reporting formats for non-compliances, schematic drawings, electronic asset registers, and integration with existing building schematics, can enhance the utility of the assessment.

Understanding the estimated duration of the assessment and the quality of the resulting report is essential for hospitality businesses. Industry rates typically range from £350.00 to £600.00 per day for qualified Legionella risk assessors. Engaging in transparent discussions with suppliers regarding assessment duration fosters transparency and ensures alignment of expectations.

Whether your establishment is equipped with large plant items like calorifiers and tanks or operates without them, we offer comprehensive Legionella risk assessments tailored to your specific needs. Our surveys address the unique requirements of establishments of all sizes, ensuring thorough analysis and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Our assessments are designed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including the Health and Safety Executive’s Legionella approved code of practice and guidance document ACoP L8 & HSG274.

Dantek’s Legionella Risk Assessment encompasses various critical components, including a full asset register, detailed system schematics, photographic documentation, and comprehensive recommendations for remedial and monitoring tasks. Our assessments are fully compliant with BS8580 standards, providing you with a thorough understanding of your water system’s risk profile and necessary actions for compliance.

Our team can also assist with the development and implementation of a Written Scheme of Control, essential for maintaining safe water systems on-site. Please refer to appendix 2.2, page 55, of the HSG274 part 2 for a summary of the requirements of a written scheme: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf

Additionally, we provide a Lite version of the Legionella Risk Assessment designed specifically for sites in the hospitality sector that do not have significant plant items. This streamlined assessment process is particularly valuable for locations with mains-fed systems, offering efficient compliance with regulatory standards while acknowledging the unique characteristics of every business.

By leveraging reputable resources and engaging in transparent discussions with suppliers, hospitality businesses can secure fair pricing for Legionella risk assessments without compromising on quality and compliance.

For further inquiries or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team at 01454 417920 or via email at sales@dantek.co.uk.

Legionella Safety – Importance of a Written Scheme of Control

In the fast-paced and dynamic sports industry, ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes, staff, and visitors is of utmost importance. One critical aspect of maintaining a safe environment is the effective management of water systems to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria. This blog post highlights the significance of a comprehensive Written Scheme of Control and its role in safeguarding the sports industry against Legionella risks.

Understanding the Written Scheme of Control:

A Written Scheme of Control is a vital risk management document that outlines the measures necessary to control the risk of Legionella exposure in water systems. It provides clear guidance on implementing and managing these measures to ensure water system safety.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The first crucial element of a Written Scheme of Control is defining the roles and responsibilities of key personnel within the sports organization. This includes identifying the overall responsible person and statutory site duty holder who hold ultimate responsibility for the safety of all individuals within the sports community. Additionally, it specifies the person in charge of the day-to-day implementation of the Legionella control policy.

Risk Identification and Control Measures:

The Written Scheme of Control should comprehensively address the risks associated with Legionella and outline the specific control tasks that will be implemented. This involves identifying potential sources of Legionella contamination, such as cooling towers, showers, and other water systems present in the sports facility. The document then describes the control measures that will be employed to mitigate these risks effectively.

Water Hygiene Provider Contact Details:

If applicable, the Written Scheme of Control should include contact information for the water hygiene provider responsible for supporting the organization in implementing the control measures. This ensures that the sports facility can seek expert assistance and guidance whenever necessary.

Record Keeping:

Accurate record keeping is crucial for monitoring and maintaining water system safety. The Written Scheme of Control should outline the procedures and requirements for record keeping, including documentation of regular inspections, maintenance activities, and any remedial actions taken.

Audit and Noncompliance Escalation:

To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the control regime, regular audits of the Legionella control measures should be conducted. The Written Scheme of Control should detail the audit process, including how noncompliance issues will be addressed and escalated within the organization.

Schematic Drawing:

Including a schematic drawing of the water systems within the sports facility can be highly beneficial. This visual representation helps stakeholders better understand the layout of the systems, aiding in the identification of potential risks and facilitating effective control measures.

Plant Shutdown Procedures:

In the event of maintenance or emergency situations, clear procedures for the shutdown and commissioning of water systems should be documented. The Written Scheme of Control should outline the steps to be followed to ensure proper shutdown and safe restart of the systems.

Risk Assessment Review Procedure:

Regular review of the Legionella risk assessment is essential to ensure that control measures remain up to date and relevant. The Written Scheme of Control should outline the procedure for conducting periodic reviews and any necessary updates to the control measures based on new information or changing circumstances.

Emergency Procedures:

The Written Scheme of Control should include detailed emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a suspected or confirmed outbreak of Legionella. This ensures that the organization can respond promptly and effectively, minimizing the impact of the outbreak on the sports community.

A robust Written Scheme of Control is a vital tool for the sports industry to manage and mitigate the risks associated with Legionella in water systems. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, outlining control measures, and providing procedures for various scenarios, sports organizations can ensure the safety of athletes, staff, and visitors. Regular review and adherence to the Written Scheme of Control are essential for maintaining water system safety and protecting the well-being of all individuals involved in the sports industry.

Dantek can help: Streamline Legionella Risk Management with Our Custom Written Scheme of Control Template

In the world of Legionella risk management, having a clear and comprehensive plan in place is essential. As an optional extra following your Legionella risk assessment, we are delighted to offer a custom written scheme of control template. This document serves as a live guide, providing step-by-step instructions tailored to your specific site, ensuring effective management of Legionella risks. It is important to note that while this template is a valuable resource, it requires input and ownership from your organization’s management team, particularly the statutory duty holder and responsible person.

A Site-Specific Approach:

Our custom-written scheme of control template takes into account the unique characteristics of your site. By addressing the Legionella risks on a site-specific basis, you can be confident that the control measures outlined in the document align with your facility’s specific needs. This tailored approach ensures a more efficient and effective management strategy.

Ownership and Responsibility:

The statutory duty holder and responsible person play crucial roles in the successful implementation of the written scheme of control. It is their responsibility to review the template and make any necessary amendments to accurately reflect how your organization operates in managing the control scheme for Legionella risk. By taking ownership of the document, you can ensure that it aligns with your organization’s practices and procedures.

Key Components of the Template:

Our written scheme of control template covers all the necessary elements to prevent the growth and proliferation of Legionella bacteria. It clearly specifies the control measures required, providing a comprehensive framework for managing Legionella risks. Additionally, the template describes the procedures for implementing and executing these control measures, ensuring consistency in their application. It also outlines how your organization will allocate and manage the control tasks, ensuring clear responsibilities and accountability.

Referring to HSG274 Part 2:

For a summary of the requirements of a written scheme, we encourage you to refer to appendix 2.2, page 55, of HSG274 Part 2. This publication by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides valuable insights and guidance to complement our template, ensuring that you are well-informed and compliant with the relevant standards. https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf

Completion of Blue Text Fields:

To personalize the written scheme of the control template, certain fields are highlighted in blue text. It is the responsibility of the responsible person or statutory duty holder within your organization to complete these fields, ensuring that the document accurately reflects your specific operations and procedures.

Managing Legionella Safety in the Sports Industry requires a systematic and tailored approach. With our custom-written scheme of control template, you can streamline your Legionella risk management efforts, ensuring compliance and effective risk mitigation. Remember, it is crucial for the statutory duty holder and responsible person to review and personalize the document to align with your organization’s practices. Take advantage of this valuable resource and proactively protect the health and well-being of all individuals within your facility and ensure the highest standards of legionella safety in the sports industry.

Should you require any further assistance or wish to discuss your specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. At Dantek we are here to support you and ensure the highest standards of Legionella Safety Sports Industry. Please call 01454 417 920 or e mail sales@dantek.co.uk https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/contact-us/

 

Recycled water system in sports facilities

Recycled water system in a sports facilities -Examining the challenges and best practices for managing Legionella and microbial risks in recycled water systems.

As a responsible person overseeing a sports facility, you understand the critical importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of athletes, employees, and visitors. One critical aspect of ensuring safety is managing the risks associated with Legionella bacteria in recycled water systems. In this article, we will explore some example control measures that can be tailored to specific sports facility water systems following a Legionella risk assessment and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Recycled water system in sports facilities – Legionella Risk Assessment:

Before implementing control measures, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment specific to your sports facility’s recycled water systems. This assessment will help identify potential sources of Legionella contamination and evaluate the susceptibility of the system to bacterial growth. Consulting with experts, like Dantek, we can ensure a thorough evaluation and development of an effective control plan.

Example Control Measures for Recycled water system in sports facilities

Temperature Monitoring:

Regular temperature monitoring is a critical control measure to prevent Legionella growth. Specifically, during late spring to late summer, when ambient temperatures tend to rise, monitoring the water temperature becomes even more crucial. It is recommended to keep a close eye on temperatures within the system, ensuring they do not exceed 20°C.

Purging of Pressure Pump, Filter, and Hose:

In the event that temperatures surpass the recommended limit of 20°C, immediate action should be taken to prevent potential Legionella growth. Purging the pressure pump, filter, and hose helps eliminate stagnant water and reduce the risk of bacterial proliferation. This control measure ensures that any potential breeding grounds for Legionella are thoroughly flushed and refreshed.

Flushing and Cleaning:

Develop a routine flushing and cleaning schedule based on the manufacturer’s instructions and the specific requirements of your water system. Flushing stagnant areas and cleaning components, such as hoses, filters, and tanks, helps prevent the buildup of biofilm and bacteria.

Water Sampling and Testing:

While temperature monitoring and purging are important control measures, regular monitoring for Legionella growth should also be conducted. This involves taking water samples from different points within the system and testing them for Legionella presence and concentration. Monitoring enables the early detection of any potential Legionella contamination, allowing for timely corrective action.

Water Treatment:

Depending on the system’s design and characteristics, consider implementing appropriate water treatment methods. These may include UV treatment, chemical disinfection, or other proven techniques to control bacterial growth. Consult experts to determine the most suitable treatment options for your specific system.

Maintenance and Servicing:

Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular maintenance and servicing. This includes tasks such as equipment inspections, filter replacements, and calibration of monitoring devices. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures optimal system performance and identifies any potential issues.

Effectively managing Legionella risks in Recycled water systems in sports facilities requires a tailored approach based on a Legionella risk assessment and the manufacturer’s recommendations. By implementing key control measures such as temperature monitoring, flushing and cleaning, water sampling and testing, water treatment, and regular maintenance and servicing, you can mitigate the risk of Legionella bacteria growth and maintain a safe environment for athletes, employees, and visitors.

Remember, each Recycled water systems in sports facilities are unique, and control measures should be customized based on the Legionella risk assessment and manufacturer’s guidelines. Consulting with experts like Dantek can provide valuable insights and support in developing and implementing an effective Legionella control plan for your sports facility. Prioritize the safety of your facility and take proactive steps to ensure the well-being of all who use it.

Contact the Dantek team today. You can give us a call at 01454 417 920 or send an email to sales@dantek.co.uk. We’re here to assist you and answer any inquiries you may have. https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/contact-us/

Risk mitigation in the sports industry

Coming Soon: Informative Blogs on Legionella Risk Mitigation in the Sports Industry!

Risk mitigation Introduction:

Attention, professionals in the sports industry! We are thrilled to announce some exciting news. Starting next week, we will be dedicating our efforts to the sports industry as part of our quarterly campaign. Our primary focus will be on addressing critical topics related to Legionella risk mitigation in sports facilities. We aim to offer valuable insights and practical advice to assist you in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for athletes, staff, and visitors.

Managing Legionella poses unique challenges within the sports industry. To cater to these specific needs, Dantek has developed a comprehensive range of specialized water hygiene solutions tailored exclusively for sports clubs and facilities. Our team of expert engineers understands the sensitivity of both athletes and staff, and they possess extensive experience in managing water systems in stadiums, training grounds, and other sport facilities.

Risk mitigation – Why It Matters:

Legionella bacteria can pose serious health risks if not properly managed. By staying informed about the potential hazards and adopting effective preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of Legionella contamination in your sports facility. Our blogs will empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard your facility and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

What to expect:

In our upcoming blog series on Legionella risk management in the sports industry, we will cover a wide range of essential topics. Our goal is to provide valuable insights and practical guidance to help you effectively manage the risks associated with Legionella in large water systems found in sports facilities. Here are some of the topics we will delve into:

BLOG 1 Chlorine Dioxide: Exploring the benefits and proper use of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant in water systems to control Legionella growth.

BLOG 2 Irrigation Systems: Understanding the potential risks associated with irrigation systems and implementing preventive measures to mitigate Legionella contamination.

BLOG 3 Recycled Water Systems: Examining the challenges and best practices for managing Legionella and microbial risks in recycled water systems.

BLOG 4 Water Hygiene Monitoring: Highlighting the significance of regular monitoring to detect and address any potential Legionella issues promptly.

BLOG 5 Responding to Positive Legionella Results: Taking Action on Positive Legionella Results: A Guide for the Sports Industry

BLOG 6 Flushing of Infrequently Used Outlets: Understanding the importance of regularly flushing infrequently used outlets to maintain water quality and minimize Legionella growth.

BLOG 7 Legionella Risk Assessments: Discussing the importance of conducting comprehensive Legionella risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop effective control measures.

BLOG 8 Training and Competence: Safeguarding lives in the sports sector through legionella eductaion

BLOG 9 Record Keeping: Electronic log book, the solution for the busy sports industry

BLOG 10 Ensuring water safety in the sports industry: The importance of a comprehensive written scheme of control

Join us next week as we launch our highly anticipated blog series on Legionella risk management in the sports industry. Stay updated and gain valuable insights by following our LinkedIn page, where we will be sharing these informative blog posts. Don’t miss out on expert advice and practical guidance to help you protect against Legionella contamination in your sports facility’s water systems. Follow us on LinkedIn and stay informed as we explore essential topics.

Contact the Dantek team today https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/contact-us/. You can give us a call at 01454 417 920 or send an email to sales@dantek.co.uk. We’re here to assist you and answer any inquiries you may have.

Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them?

Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?

Welcome back to the top 5 problems schools face with legionella risk assessments!

In our last month, I am going to try and help you answer question 5. If you have a problem or question that is not covered, please email holly@dantek.co.uk

Top 5 problems with legionella risk assessments!

  1. April’s Blog: Is your Legionella risk assessment current and when does it need to be updated? How will you know?
  2. April’s Blog: Written scheme. What is it and how do I write one?
  3. May’s Blog: How safe can my school ever be?
  4. May’s Blog: Asset registers. Mind-blowing pages of cold taps, hot taps and mixer valves etc. What’s the point?
  5. June’s Blog: Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?
Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?

Remedial actions are an essential part of lowering the risk of Legionella following a risk assessment. These actions involve improving the design of your water system and may include removing redundant pipework, cleaning cold water storage tanks, insulating pipework, servicing thermostatic mixer valves, and more. Prioritization of these actions is recommended based on urgency, with some requiring attention within a month, three months, or longer.

It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily have to complete all the recommended remedial actions if you have budget constraints. By reviewing your risk assessment report, you can determine which actions are necessary to reduce tangible threats and which are tolerable risks.

If you need assistance with your school’s Legionella risk assessment, Dantek can help. We hope our past articles have helped you understand the importance of Legionella risk assessments and the common issues faced while receiving them. Finding a reputable contractor for your school’s needs can be challenging, but the Legionella Control Association (LCA) provides a register of companies that have met their requirements and passed their annual audit of systems.

The LCA’s code of conduct sets out the standard of service a client should expect from a water hygiene provider, requiring them to establish an appropriate management system for controlling Legionella and comply with the latest HSE guidance. By visiting https://www.legionellacontrol.org.uk/directory, you can search for a registered contractor by company or region.

At Dantek, we strive to provide the best service in the industry and act quickly to resolve the most urgent tasks. While we offer national coverage for Legionella risk assessments in schools, we may not be able to maintain our high standards for customers outside our geographic region. We believe in working together with schools as a team to solve problems in the real world.

Supported School Regions all services:

1.    South West

2.    West Midlands

3.    South Wales

 Contracted and one-off services we offer.

1.    Legionella Risk assessments

2.    Cleaning & disinfection of cold-water storage tanks

3.    Temperature monitoring

4.    Calorifier inspections

5.    Showerhead cleaning and disinfection

6.    Thermostatic mixer valve serving and fail-safe testing.

7.    Expansion vessel flushing

8.    Water softener servicing

9.    Closed system analysis.

10. Chlorine dioxide rental service

11. Chlorine dioxide installation and maintenance

12. Sampling (Legionella, TVCC, Pseudomonas)

13. Logbook user training

14. Responsible persons/management training

Included within all our contracts is our free-of-charge electronic logbook for all service users. Contact us now for a free demo.

If you would like to speak to us regarding any of our products or services, please do not hesitate to contact us at 01454 417 920 or e-mail your enquiry to sales@dantek.co.uk where a member of our team is available to help you. Please quote  #SCHOOL’S which will allow our 2022 day rates to be quoted saving you 5%

#legionellacontrolinyourschool #legionellacontrol #riskassessment #legionellariskassessment #teamdantek #legionellaadvice #riskassessmentproblems #safeschools #remedialactions #assetregister #riskassessmentupdate #writtenscheme #legionellacontractorsouthwest #legionellacontratorsouthwales #legionellacontractorwestmidlands

 

Don’t just take my word for the level of service, expertise, and confidence that our team provides. I have included 3 testimonials below. Read what our educational establishments say about us below!

 “As a senior maintenance manager for the University of South Wales I am responsible for 5 campuses, that’s around 1300 student apartments and 60 additional buildings. Dantek carries out Legionella testing and risk assessments for all these including, calorifiers, showers and water tanks. They are a good company to work with and have an excellent online monitoring system which allows them to upload test results for our compliance section to audit online. With Legionella you don’t want to take any risks and Dantek is really good at keeping us informed of what we need to do to keep our water safe and remain compliant. I would happily recommend them.”

Senior Maintenance Manager, University of South Wales

“Dantek manages Legionella control and all related compliance issues for Millfield. As the H&S Advisor I need to rely on the expertise of the companies that I work with. Dantek instils that confidence, if I go to them with any issues they always have the answer.

I also wanted to work with a company that Millfield could build a strong relationship with. The staff are reliable, responsive, honest and polite. If I have any issues they’ll always find the time to discuss them with me in order to find agreed solutions.”

H&S Advisor, Millfield School

“I cannot fault the service and your staff are always well presented and polite”

University of Bath – renewal of showerhead cleaning and disinfection contract

How safe can my School ever be?

Welcome back to the top 5 problems schools face with legionella risk assessments!

This month, I am going to try and help you answer questions 3 and 4. If you have a problem or question that is not covered, please email holly@dantek.co.uk

Top 5 problems with legionella risk assessments!

  1. April’s Blog: Is your Legionella risk assessment current and when does it need to be updated? How will you know?
  2. April’s Blog: Written scheme. What does it mean and how do I write one?
  3. May’s Blog: How safe can my school ever be?
  4. May’s Blog: Asset registers. Mind-blowing pages of cold taps, hot taps and mixer valves etc. What’s the point?
  5. June’s Blog: Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?
How safe can my school ever be?

You need to sleep at night knowing that you have done everything that is reasonably practicable to make your school a safe place to learn and grow. Your school can be or already is a safe place and if you follow the advice given by your contractor and local authority it will continue to be.

Legionellosis sounds scary and if not managed life-threatening.  Legionellosis is an illness in humans caused by a bacteria called Legionella. We do not have any figures for 2021 or 2022 yet, and figures from 2020 are distorted by Covid. In 2020 the monthly surveillance reports stopped in October with 295 cases reported in the first 10 months of the year. Legionnaires disease is a real threat and requires real action to be taken.

An assessment of the susceptibility of the site population is a critical part of a Legionella risk assessment, which must be reviewed regularly. This takes us back to staff changes and the mental and physical health of your teachers and staff. Risk factors include Males, Age, heavy smokers, alcohol consumption, no exercise, and underlying diseases such as cancer, organ transplant, etc.

Unfortunately, we have little control over stopping Legionella from getting into our water systems. Contamination from small amounts of this bacteria within the mains water and airborne droplets is inevitable. From a risk analysis point of view, we must assume that our systems will encounter Legionella bacteria at some stage in their life cycle.

Risk Factors

  • Water temperature between 20–45 °C
  • Stored, stagnant and/or re-circulated water
  • A source of nutrients for the organism e.g. presence of sludge, scale, organic materials and rust
  • Water fittings made of certain materials
  • Capacity for aerosol generation
  • Numbers & susceptibility of site population
  • The ability of management to control risk

 Once you have taken the first step in compliance and had your legionella risk assessment completed, your school will be graded like an Ofsted report with the difference of 5 bands.

The reality of the school’s risk from legionella will be the current risk score. Don’t be alarmed, look at the “action to be taken” i.e. risks that can be removed, and then the realistic score for your school following completion of the advised remedial actions.

As you can see from the below example the “New Building” has a current score of 50 which has placed the school into the medium-risk category. By completing the recommended actions, the school or particular academic building will reduce to a low/medium risk with continued monitoring. Be mindful that even the smallest buildings, even if they only have one wash hand basin will be graded with a risk factor.

Risk Summary inc review date

  1. Must be current.
  2. High risk = 6 months
  3. Medium risk = Two years
  4. Low risk = 5 years

 

 

 

Can your school ever be safe from legionella?

Your school may never be free from legionella, but you can manage and control the risk and prevent staff from catching legionnaires disease.  Legionella specialists are available to help you, including Dantek, and by working together as a team we can prevent the harmful effects of water.

  • Keep hot water hot
  • Keep cold water cold
  • Keep the water moving
  • Keep it clean

Consider if special steps need to be taken at different times of the academic year. Half term and summer holidays, resulting in a big change to the use of the school. Very few staff and no pupils, resulting in taps and showers that are used regularly during term time have now been left unused for weeks. This can lead to stagnation of the water which can encourage the growth of legionella and other nasty bacteria. Make plans for who is going to flush those normally used outlets at least weekly during the holidays.

Additional information can be found:

Approved code of practice – https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l8.pdf

HSE website – legal updates & outbreaks https://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm

HSG274 technical guidance https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg274.htm

Dantek – Advice, services and training https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk

Asset Registers: The Key to Efficient Legionella Risk Assessments in Schools

When it comes to ensuring the safety of students and staff in schools, there are many factors that must be considered. One of these is the potential risk of Legionella bacteria in the water system, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. To prevent this, schools must conduct regular Legionella risk assessments and take appropriate measures to control the risk.

One crucial aspect of Legionella risk assessments is the creation of an asset register. This is a document that lists all the assets in the water system that could potentially harbor Legionella bacteria, such as cold taps, hot taps, and mixer valves. While this may seem like a mind-numbing task, the importance of maintaining a comprehensive asset register cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of effective Legionella risk management and is essential for record-keeping purposes.

When a Legionella risk assessor arrives at a school, it is important that they have access to all the areas they need to inspect. This can be a challenge, as schools have busy schedules and exam timetables that must be taken into account. To ensure that assessors have the access they need, the operational management team must work with the school to determine which areas the assessors will need to inspect. A clear and detailed asset register is essential for this process, as it will provide a complete list of all the assets that require inspection.

Creating an asset register can seem like a daunting task, especially for schools with multiple buildings and thousands of outlets. However, it is an investment in the safety of students and staff, and there are tools available to make the process easier. On completion of the risk assessment, your assessor will be able to provide you with an asset register in Excel, allowing schools to use filters to sort the data by asset type and location. This makes it easy to identify the sentinel points that need to be monitored and recorded every month.

In addition, schools can choose to go paperless with their water hygiene records by using an electronic logbook. This eliminates the need for paper-based logbooks and makes it easier to track compliance. Many reputable providers offer this service, and some, such as Dantek, provide a free electronic logbook to contracted customers. This logbook includes an automatic asset upload and real-time compliance.

Maintaining a comprehensive asset register is a key element of Legionella risk management in schools. By investing in this process and using tools such as electronic logbooks, schools can ensure the safety of their students and staff while reducing the administrative burden of compliance. To learn more about Legionella risk assessments in schools or to schedule a free demonstration of Dantek’s electronic logbook, visit our website or call our friendly team.

#legionellacontrolinyourschool #legionellacontrol #riskassessment #legionellariskassessment #teamdantek #legionellaadvice #riskassessmentproblems #safeschools #remedialactions #assetregister #riskassessmentupdate #writtenscheme #legionellacontractorsouthwest #legionellacontratorsouthwales #legionellacontractorwestmidlands #electroniclogbook

Contact us for more information or to book a free demonstration.
Our website is a great tool for local services, FAQs, sectors, and price guides. please visit https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/sectors/schools/ for further information or contact our friendly team on 01454 417920 or email sales@dantek.co.uk quoting reference, SCHOOL23 which will allow 5% discount for new customers.

Written scheme of control template

Stop searching for a solution, because Dantek has you covered! Our custom-written scheme of control template offers a clear path to compliance with HSG274. Don’t become part of the 63% of HSE prosecutions due to lack of a written scheme of control. Take charge of your Legionella management with our easy-to-use template, tailored to your site with fields in blue for personalisation. Get peace of mind knowing you have a plan in place for prevention, execution, and emergency response. Ensure compliance today with Dantek’s custom written scheme of control template.
At Dantek, we understand the importance of managing Legionella risks and ensuring the safety of all members of the community. That’s why we are pleased to offer a custom written scheme of control template as an optional extra following a Legionella risk assessment.
This live document provides clear, easy-to-follow steps for managing Legionella risks on a site-specific basis. However, it’s important to note that this template is not considered suitable and sufficient by enforcing authorities without input, amendment, and ownership from your School’s management team, specifically the statutory duty holder and responsible person.
It is the responsibility of the statutory duty holder and responsible person to review the information in this document and add or revise text to ensure it accurately reflects how the school operates the management of the control scheme for Legionella risk.
The written scheme template specifies the control measures to prevent the growth and proliferation of Legionella bacteria, describes how to implement and execute the control measures, describes how the School will allocate and manage the control tasks, describes procedures for shutdown and commissioning, and outlines how the School intends to respond under fault or emergency conditions.
To ensure that your written scheme of control meets all necessary requirements, please refer to appendix 2.2, page 55, of HSG274 part 2 for a summary of the requirements of a written scheme. It’s crucial to complete the fields in blue text, as these must be filled in by the responsible person or statutory duty holder.
At Dantek, we are committed to providing comprehensive solutions for Legionella risk management. If you have any questions or concerns about your written scheme of control, please don’t hesitate to contact us for support. Our team is always ready to assist you and ensure that your School remains safe and compliant. Call our team on 01454 417 920

The top problems your school will face with a legionella risk assessment.

Hi, my name is Holly, and I have been a part of the Dantek team for over 14 years. In the upcoming months, I will be discussing the common problems schools face when it comes to legionella risk assessments, I am going to be talking about the top problems your school will face with legionella risk assessments, being open and honest throughout. Dantek has over 20 years of experience with an excellent, dedicated, and qualified team of field-based technicians, legionella risk assessors, and water treatment specialists.

Your school needs to consider all risks, consequently, you may feel you are drowning in risk assessments which the water risk assessment is just one!

Having two young children in school I can see how hard the staff work. Not just the teachers but everyone, support staff, cleaners, and maintenance. The entire school is based around a profound team who works together to allow pupils to succeed and have a safe space to learn.

I don’t know the first thing about running a school or teaching a class of 30 energetic pupils, but I do know that I want to help you to make one of the tasks on your desk a little easier to understand and manage.

Top problems with a legionella risk assessment!

Being a responsible person in a school is hard work and the pile-up of multiple risk assessments never seems to end. Your number one main priority is to make your school a safe place for your pupils, staff, and visitors. As legionella control specialists we know the frustrations that are felt! Split properties across your campus including sports halls, residential blocks, catering facilities, and frankly any building that has a tap-in it!

Needs must! This has now resulted in a huge document on your desk plus multiple smaller versions you now must read and make sense of.  The feeling of being overwhelmed, frustrated, cross, and bored springs to mind.

Top 5 problems with legionella risk assessments!

  1. April’s Blog: Is your Legionella risk assessment current and when does it need to be updated? How will you know?
  2. April’s Blog: Written scheme. What is it and how do I write one?
  3. May’s Blog: How safe can my school ever be?
  4. May’s Blog: Asset registers. Mind-blowing pages of cold taps, hot taps and mixer valves etc. What’s the point?
  5. June’s Blog: Remedial actions: Do I have to do all of them and how do I choose the correct contractor?

This month, I am going to try and help you answer questions 1 and 2. If you have a problem or question that is not covered, please email holly@dantek.co.uk 

Problem No 1 – Is your Legionella risk assessment current and when does it need to be updated? How will you know?

All risk assessments are classed as a “working document” and under current guidelines, a risk assessment must be carried out whenever the Approved code of practice L8 and guidance applies.

What does that mean? 

Legionella risk assessment front page! A resurvey date is initially controlled by the attending risk assessor, based on site-specific findings, A simple risk score is then generated. High, medium, and low. Your resurvey date could be in the range of 6 months to 5 years.

That’s not where it ends. Just because you have had a legionella risk assessment completed and the resurvey date clearly states 24 months from now, doesn’t mean that it won’t be required sooner. Simple amendments to the working document may be required, or a brand-new assessment dependent on school changes.

  • To put it simply, if your school decides to change the math block, into an additional shower block for the growing sports hall, you will need a new assessment. This is known as “A change to any of the assessed water systems or its use”.
  • 3 months have passed and calorifier 1 in the science block has not been achieving 60°C and your outlet temperatures are within the primary growth range. Your control regime is indicating that control is not being achieved. A review is needed.
  • A simple staff change. The statutory duty holder was Miss Cox and is now Mrs. Harris. Site responsibility used to be Mr. West, but, he has now retired, and Miss Davies has been appointed. These key personnel changes have now made your assessment enter the “review” stage.

Always remember that the legionella risk assessment is a working document and must be current.

My top tip! Add your legionella risk assessment to your to-do planner, 6 monthly or annually (Dependent on risk) ask yourself these 6 questions.

  1. Have any alterations been made to the water systems?
  2. Has there been changes in the use of the system or the school?
  3. Has there been any key personnel changes or any that are due to occur?
  4. Have there been changes to the results of tests indicating that the control measures are no longer effective, or has new information about risks or control measures become available?
  5. Is my initial risk assessment review date still valid?
  6. Is the school’s responsible person up to date with training?

In the occurrence of a suspected or confirmed school outbreak or individual case of Legionella associated with the water system, review your risk assessment and written scheme immediately.

Problem No 2 – Written scheme. What does it mean and how do I write one?

You have recently had your legionella risk assessment completed and managed to make headway on the document between your countless emails from parents, maintaining academic success and broadening your school curriculum. Once a quarter you will be sat in front of the school governors and need to advise what are the next steps following your legionella risk assessment. A written scheme!

What is a written scheme? A written scheme of control for the control of legionella is a comprehensive risk management document that clearly identifies the measures required to control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, and how those measures are implemented and managed so that control over water systems is achieved and maintained.

Which means… Explain in detail how your school will manage the measures you have implemented to control the risk of legionella and who is responsible.

  1. Roles & responsibilities i.e. Who has overall responsibility for the safety of all members of the school community? Who manages the day-to-day implementation of the policy? Who is the Responsible person, and statutory site duty holder?
  2. What are the risks and how will the control tasks be implemented?
  3. Water hygiene provider contact details if applicable.
  4. Record keeping.
  5. Audit of control regime and noncompliance escalation process.
  6. Schematic drawing.
  7. Plant shutdown procedures.
  8. Risk assessment review procedure.
  9. Emergency procedures in the event of an outbreak or suspected outbreak of Legionella.

In the occurrence of a suspected or confirmed school outbreak or individual case of Legionella associated with the water, review your risk assessment and written scheme immediately.

Management & control flow chart example

  1. Governing board (If singular school) or Federation governing board (If multiple schools)
  2. Director
  3. Chief operations officer
  4. Director of estates
  5. Operations Manager
  6. Maintenance Supervisor
  7. Estate trade staff
If you require additional support, please contact me and I will be more than happy to provide a written scheme of control template. holly@dantek.co.uk
Our website is a great tool for local services, FAQs, sectors, and price guides. please visit https://www.dantekenvironmental.co.uk/sectors/schools/ for further information or contact our friendly team on 01454 417920 or e mail sales@dantek.co.uk quoting reference, SCHOOL23 which will allow 5% discount for new customers.

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