While in the UK, witnessing temperatures soar to 30°C feels like a dream, it can create optimal conditions for legionella growth. Sun’s out and so is Legionella! To flourish, legionella needs a temperature range from 20-45°C, thus water systems are typically at high risk during the hotter months. At Legionella Management Solutions we know it’s common for bacteria like Legionella and other pathogens to rear their head and contaminate during the summer – therefore mitigating risk with preventative measures is key! In this blog we will look at how to control the spread of legionella in the hot weather:
1. Regulate Water Temperature
Optimum temperature for legionella proliferation is between 20°C and 45°C – when warmer temperatures heat the water contained in the system it becomes the ideal environment for legionella to take hold. To prevent Legionella growth, maintain hot water systems above 60°C and cold water below 20°C. In healthcare settings, aim for 55°C for hot water outlets. Remember, even in winter, keeping cold water below 20°C keeps the bacteria dormant – undertake regular temperature checks of your cold-water storage tanks. 💧🔍
During the summer, it is more important than ever for duty holders to carry out regular water temperature inspections and maintain a good scheme of control so that water temperatures do not reach dangerous levels and ensure they are reporting any findings and keeping on top of their record keeping. At LMS we recommend creating and upholding a comprehensive water management strategy that involves routine inspections, even when the building is unoccupied during holidays. Need help with this? Get a quote today! 💧💰
2. Keep Water Flowing
As summer begins and schools and universities close, water systems lie dormant, allowing stagnant water to accumulate. This creates an ideal environment for Legionella bacteria to thrive. Similarly, tourism spots and holiday parks, less frequented during winter, face the same risk. Without proper maintenance, rising summer temperatures turn these water supplies into breeding grounds for Legionella. To maintain water quality, it is important to flush water systems. As a general guide, any water outlet that has not been used for a week or longer, should be flushed for at least 3 minutes. Flushing and draining systems will reduce the risk of stagnation and legionella growth.
Within your Legionella risk assessments and ongoing monitoring, evaluate the water systems usage to determine the appropriate flushing frequency. Additionally, reducing stored water can help limit stagnation and minimise the risk of Legionella growth. When water storage reduction isn’t feasible, contemplate actively flushing or draining all systems as a preventive step, ensuring proper documentation in the risk assessment. Implementing effective control measures can mitigate the risk of Legionella outbreaks. These measures include chemical dosing, disinfection and ongoing maintenance to ensure safe water system operation.
3. Have Adequate Staff
During the busy holiday season, it is imperative a trained responsible person is left in charge to cover monitoring and maintenance of the water systems. An increased amount of staff absence may lead to insufficient personnel available for maintaining adequate safety measures. To mitigate this, it’s crucial to ensure enough trained employees are consistently present to oversee the water system and address any potential issues. The HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 provides practical guidance for managing Legionella risks in water systems. It assists business owners and landlords in complying with legal requirements related to water management.
Your responsible person must understand how to:
- Identify and assess sources of risk
- Manage any risks
- Prevent or control any risks
- Keep and maintain the correct records
- Carry out any other duties you may have
