Legionella in Schools, College, University
Why is it so important to control legionella in an educational environment? The first reason is that there are vulnerable people present both the young and old with a mixture of medical backgrounds who might be exposed to legionnaires disease. Secondly, legionella can grow in water systems and plumbing but it mostly favours temperatures between 20-50°C and stagnant water. Both of which regularly occur in schools. For example, if you are not carrying out legionella monthly temperature checks then the hot and cold water may fall within the 20-50°C temperature range without you knowing.
Also, schools close periodically throughout the year leaving the school out of use or used more sparsely. This has an impact on water consumption and can lead to considerable stagnant water. This combined with poor temperatures can lead to the rapid growth of Legionella. Due to the size of schools, the stored water is often in excess of 1000L. This stored water may stagnate considerably if a regular weekly flushing regime is not implemented across holiday periods or times of infrequent use.
Finally, because the stored hot water in cylinders is set to 60°C, the hot water poses a risk of scalding. Therefore any areas where vulnerable people are including the young should have anti-scalding valves installed so that the temperature range is 38-43°C, also known as a Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV). Whilst TMVs are very effective for anti-scalding they do pose a risk of Legionella growth. This is why they must be installed as close as possible to the sink (outlet) and within 2m of the outlet. TMVs should be serviced six monthly to clean any debris or scale build-up in their filters, along with a temperature calibration to ensure the TMV is working correctly and annual chlorination to further disinfect the filters.
Why do I need a legionella risk assessment?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and in compliance with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8, HSG 274), duty holders, including employers and those in control of premises, must ensure the health and safety of their employees or others who may be affected by their undertaking, this includes the risk of legionella.
This includes taking suitable precautions to prevent, manage and control the risk of exposure to legionella. You can do this by undertaking the following: a legionella risk assessment, actioning all identified risks within the risk assessment with legionella remedial works, sampling the water quality to confirm bacterial presence with legionella testing, and carrying out ongoing record keeping also known as legionella monitoring.
When and how often do I need a legionella risk assessment?
The Approved Code of Practice L8 (HSG 274) in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states that – “The Duty holder should arrange to review the assessment regularly and specifically when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid. An indication of when to review the assessment and what to consider should be recorded and this may result from:
- A change to the water system;
- A change to the use of the building where the system is installed;
- New information available about risks or control measures;
- The results of checks indicating that control measures are no longer effective;
- Changes to key personnel;
- A case of legionnaires disease.”
Here at uRisk we recommend annual reviews to ensure correct implementation is being carried out. Legionella bacteria can double within 15 minutes, so it is important to review your risk assessment and monitoring records regularly.
How much does a legionella risk assessment cost?
Legionella Risk Assessments vary in prices depending on the number of water outlets, cold water storage tanks, hot water cylinders, combi boilers and other water assets that may be present. The number of assets within your water system will determine the time spent on site and how long it will take to produce your report.
So how much does a legionella risk assessment cost? Across the industry, prices vary enormously often depending on the size of the company you use and their processes, the speed of works and professionalism.
There are two types of legionella risk assessment, the first is commercial and the second domestic, also referred to as residential rental properties or landlord legionella risk assessments.
Commercial legionella risk assessments normally start from £250 to in excess of £750, here at uRisk our prices start from £99 depending on the size of the water system and location.
Domestic legionella risk assessments can range tremendously with a number of plumbers, gas engineers and other tradesmen offering these assessments without the specialist training, it’s important to check that your assessor or engineer is properly qualified. Here at uRisk our prices start from £55 for multiple landlord properties to £95 for single landlord properties. Our prices for residential rental properties are based on the property being no more than 5 bedrooms.
What is included in uRisk’s Legionella Risk Assessment?
You will receive a fully comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment helping you meet compliance.
Executive Summary
Summary of legionella risk.
Asset List
A list of associated assets.
Management Review
Review of management & control.
Action Plan
Remedial actions & risk photos.
Temperature Readings
Full system temperature record.
Site Specific Guidance
Identified duties and frequencies.
Water System Schematic
Diagram of water system.
Survey of Water System
Key survey findings.
Legionella Introduction
Legionella background.
How long will the risk assessment take?
On average the time a legionella risk assessor spends on site is 1 hour for every 10 outlets (sinks, showers, baths, etc). So an assessment can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours. It entirely depends on the size of your water system and the number of water assets you have such as cold water storage tanks, cylinders or combination boilers.
Our engineers will work closely with you to ensure minimal disruption to your business is caused. Clear and easy access to rooms and buildings will play a part in time spent on site at your premises.
When will I receive the risk assessment?
You will receive your legionella risk assessment between 2-10 working days from the date the assessment was carried out. From time to time, not often, our team will need a little more time, so please expect to have your report no later than 30 days. Need your risk assessment sooner? Get your report, guaranteed next day delivery via email for just £50.
What do I do after the risk assessment?
Within your legionella risk assessment you will have an action plan which lists all identified risks, with photos, that need remedying in order of importance. By undertaking remedial works you will reduce the risk of exposure to legionnaires disease. Once all the remedial works are complete, you will then need to focus on implementing your legionella monitoring (periodical checks and maintenance) with a logbook for recording keeping all legal duties and monitoring requirements.
Do uRisk service my area?
Yes, uRisk’s services are nationwide. Whether you have one or multiple water systems and one or multiple sites, uRisk provide services to the nationwide, with specialised engineers scattered throughout the UK and with offices based in Hertfordshire which is a 30-minute train journey to London King’s Cross.
Head Office: uRisk, Units 11-12 Baldock Industrial Estate, London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6NG.
Are uRisk qualified?
Yes, all of our Legionella Risk Assessors at uRisk are Legionella Risk Assessment qualified and accredited by City & Guilds and can help assist you in meeting compliance today for HSE (ACoP L8). uRisk is Safe Contractor and Construction Online approved so you can rest assured that you are working with a trusted water hygiene service provider who put health and safety first.
All uRisk engineers are DBS Checked to ensure suitable people are entering your premises and to safeguard vulnerable people.
Legionella Testing or a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Legionella testing, water testing or sampling is not to be confused with a legionella risk assessment. Testing or sampling whilst not a legal required plays an important role in determining how efficient a water system is managed. Whereas the legionella risk assessment will identify risk areas that may encourage proliferation.
Water testing services include Legionella, e-Coli, total viable count (TVC), Pseudomonas, hard water, chlorine free, pH levels and more. Learn more about legionella testing. uRisk uses only UKAS approved laboratories.
Our booking process
Get a Quote
To get a quote you can phone, email or complete our ‘Get a Quote!’ form to receive a quotation within 24 hours.
Book an Appointment
Once you’re happy with your quote we’ll confirm a suitable date and estimated time of arrival for your appointment.
Your Appointment
An engineer will be with you on your scheduled date, and will call you prior to arrival (when safe and possible).
Report & Support
Our team will quality assess your report for PDF distribution, typically within 2-10 days of the site visit.
All payments are due prior to booking completion unless agreed in writing for 30 days from the date of invoice. We will hold your booking time for 24 hours whilst we wait for payment.
Why choose uRisk?
25 Years Experience
Over 25 years of water hygiene and legionella control experience.
Customer Service Excellence
Friendly and simple advice by phone, email & online at your convenience.
City & Guilds Qualified
All staff are trained water hygiene consultants and engineers.
Nationwide Coverage
With engineers located all across the UK, we’re never too far away.
UKAS Accredited Testing
Our labs are UKAS approved providing you with quality assurance.
Full Compliance Services
Your one stop shop for legionella control, no need to go elsewhere.
Contact Us
01462 419444
Head Office:
Baldock Herts SG7 6NG
Monday to Friday:
0900 - 1700
Offices Closed for Lunch:
1300 - 1400
Water Hygiene Services
