Legionella risk rules for Sheffield schools, nurseries, care homes and businesses

And it’s not just places like hospitals and factories who have legal obligations, says Craig Taylor, head of Yorkshire-based Absolute Water Compliance. Schools, care homes, nurseries and smaller businesses should also be carrying out risk assessments and audits, but many don’t realise that, or don’t know what to do.

Craig said: “Many Sheffield schools, care homes, nurseries, and businesses are now being caught out on Legionella compliance. Not because the rules have changed, but because governing bodies, insurers, and auditors are finally enforcing them properly.”

And what were previously hidden risks will now be discovered, he said.

“Long-standing issues that were previously overlooked are now being flagged during inspections, audits, and property sales, largely due to a lack of understanding of what’s actually required,” he added.

As well the risk to health from a Legionella outbreak, there are practical and financial reasons why it pays to stay on top of compliance legislation.

Selling a business

Did you know the sale of a business or business property can be held up because the vendor cannot show an up to date Legionella risk assessment, and control measures put in place to minimise the bacteria spreading? This can delay company relocations, sales and purchases, affecting all parties and costing money.

CQC and Ofsted inspections

Monitoring bodies like the Care Quality Commission and Ofsted look into every aspect of a business or service provider. Absolute Water Compliance says it often get calls from dental practices and nursing homes who have been flagged as failing due to their Legionella compliance. And the same goes for schools, colleges and nurseries, where Ofsted can rate them poorly for the same lack of compliance.

Craig added: “The rules have always been in place, but governing bodies are becoming wiser about the rules, and enforcing them more strictly.”

Craig has put together a myth-busting checklist to help firms out.

We don’t have a water tank

Contrary to popular belief, there are no exemptions at all in non-domestic properties, even if you don’t have a water tank. Your building, and its pipes, drains, showers and other waterways, must have a risk assessment and control measures in place.

We are a small firm, surely we are exempt?

Absolutely not; the risk of Legionella may be bigger the more complex the water system is, but the bacteria can develop around any unchecked wet space.

Isn’t Legionella contagious, like a tummy bug?

The disease itself is not contagious and is not passed from person to person. Instead, this severe form of pneumonia is spread through tiny bacteria in water droplets, which are not visible to the human eye. It’s a particularly nasty disease, and can be fatal. If a person develops Legionnaires’ disease, early medical intervention is crucial for a positive outcome.

Will my firm ever be audited?

That’s not really the question you should be asking. For the sake of your staff, your visitors or clients, their safety should come first and this is something you should be doing as a preventative measure. Firms, building owners and landlords all have a legal responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act to manage and control those risks.

The penalties for a firm found guilty of neglecting their duties, resulting in a legionella outbreak, can be very severe. Those deemed responsible can face unlimited fines, criminal prosecution and custodial sentences.

I don’t know where to start

We hear that a lot. When you have to identify and assess risks, have a written control scheme, manage precautions, appoint a competent person, keep records, review regularly and report any issues it can be daunting. Most firms don’t have that skillset in house, but Absolute Water Compliance can absolutely help.

Craig said: “We want to help people keep on top of their responsibilities and start their risk assessment and compliance journey now, before it is too late.”

To get a fully compliant Legionella risk assessment – contact the Barnsley-based team today by phone on 01226 491133, by email at [email protected] or learn more here.