Risk Control Stategy
Young, fit, and healthy people are considered at low risk of succumbing to Legionnaires’ disease, but anyone over 60 and patients with weakened immune systems are exposed to water contaminated with Legionella through poorly maintained hot water systems, the risk becomes considerably higher. That’s why water checks in Care Homes are one strategy for controlling legionella risk.
Roughly 400,000 people over 60 years of age in the United Kingdom live in either nursing homes or residential homes. These facilities are subject to the guidelines set forth by the Health and Safety Executive with regards to the levels of Legionella found in water systems. The HSE document, HSG 274 sets out the levels which require immediate remedial action and intervention.
Legionella Risk Assessment
Specifically, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 states that those who are tasked with managing these establishments have a duty to evaluate the risks of Legionella that can affect the Care Home residents.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 state that care homes should assess the risks posed by Legionella to both staff, residents and visitors. This [legionella] risk assessment is a LEGAL requirement. Once the risk assessment report has been completed, it will list the necessary recommendations required to reduced the liklihood of legionella bacteria becoming a hazard.
Legionella Written Scheme of Control
Information gathered during the risk assessment is used to prepare the “Written Scheme of Control”. This document must be specific to each site rather than generic. It is a fundemental part of legionella management and sets out necessary controls. It also details how these controls are maintained and monitored in order to remain effective.
The most common control are for water temperatures. For most properties Hot water should be stored at a temperature 60°C minimum and distributed at a minimum temperature of 50°C. The distribution temperature of hot water in healthcare and care homes is different, it should be a minimum of 55°C
Another example would be, if the site has cold water storage tanks the control document would state:-
- How often the tanks are inspected (and by whom).
- A checklist of items included as part of the inspection.
- A definition of how to determine if the the item being checked is compliant.
- The actions necessary when an item is non-compliant.
All other “water” equipment would be addressed in a similar manner eg
- Calorifiers/Water Heaters
- Cooling Towers
- Showers
- Fountains/Water Features
- Fire Suppression Systems
- Humidifiers (Spray/Ultrasonic/Steam)
- Vehicle Wash Systems
- Rainwater/Greywater
Water Checks
The control scheme should set out what testing is necessary. This includes the number, frequency and location of the samples. It may be that in addition to legionella test kits, your property needs potability tests if tanks supply drinking water.
Risk Review
The Written Scheme will determine how often reviews are required.