Required Checks to control Legionella

The water services on site will require the following checks to be conducted and recorded: –

1.     Weekly flushing of rarely used outlets, including showers.

2.     Monthly temperature checks at each cold and hot water outlet to be conducted and recorded.

3.     Monthly calorifier storage temperatures, and temperatures of the return line to monitor whether the calorifier is storing water at 60°C or above and that hot water is returning to the cylinder at no less than 50°C.

4.     Quarterly blowndown of calorifier to reduce sediment build-up which can produce a suitable environment for bacteria. The drain valve should be opened for two minutes or until the water runs clear. This is recommended as best practice.

5.     Quarterly dismantling, cleaning and disinfection of all showerheads and hoses as necessary.

6.     Every six months the make-up and storage temperature of cold water storage tanks should be recorded along with the general condition of the tank.

7.     Six monthly checks of the electric water heaters prior to water being drawn to ensure they are set to serve hot water at between 50°C and 60°C.

8.     Annually inspect calorifiers internally and clean as required, followed by chlorination or a thermal pasteurisation.

9.     Wherever problems are identified it must be ensured that suitable and sufficient corrective actions are taken and recorded.

These checks should be recorded within a suitable Log Book and it is now a requirement for these records to be held for five years.

A Legionella Risk Assessment is the first step in defining which of the above checks will be included in your monitoring regime.

A Legionella Risk Assessment is not optional – It is MANDATORY for statutory compliance

Best Required Checks to control Legionella

Water Cleaning Requirement UK