Ensuring the safety of water systems from Legionella bacteria is a critical responsibility for
any organization. Legionella, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, can thrive in
water systems if not properly managed. A comprehensive written scheme for Legionella
control is essential to protect the health of building occupants and comply with legal
requirements.

Why a Written Scheme is Essential

1. Health and Safety: Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Establishing a written scheme helps in identifying and mitigating the risks, ensuring
the health and safety of building occupants.
2. Legal Compliance: In the UK, there are stringent legal requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. A written scheme for Legionella control is a legal necessity, demonstrating compliance with these regulations.
3. Risk Management: A written scheme provides a systematic approach to managing and reducing the risks associated with Legionella bacteria. It ensures that potential risks are identified, assessed, and controlled effectively.
4. Accountability and Record Keeping: Having a documented scheme establishes accountability and facilitates comprehensive record-keeping. This is crucial for audits, inspections, and demonstrating due diligence in the event of an incident.
Key Components of a Legionella Control Written Scheme A proper written scheme for Legionella control should include several critical components to ensure comprehensive risk management. Here are the key elements:
1. Risk Assessment:
o Identification of Risks: Conduct a detailed risk assessment to identify potential sources of Legionella contamination in the water system. This includes examining water tanks, pipes, cooling towers, and other relevant
components.
o Evaluation of Risks: Assess the level of risk associated with each identified source, considering factors such as water temperature, stagnation, and the presence of biofilms.
2. Control Measures:
o Water Temperature Control: Implement measures to ensure water temperatures are maintained outside the range conducive to Legionella growth (20°C – 50°C). This may include adjusting water heater settings and installing temperature monitoring devices.
o Regular Flushing: Establish a routine for regularly flushing outlets to prevent water stagnation, which can encourage bacterial growth.
o Chemical Treatment: Use biocides or other chemical treatments to control microbial growth in water systems.
o Physical Control Methods: Employ physical methods such as ultraviolet (UV) light or filtration systems to reduce bacterial levels.
3. Maintenance and Monitoring:
o Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of water system components to identify and rectify issues promptly.
o Water Testing: Conduct routine water testing for Legionella bacteria to monitor the effectiveness of control measures and detect any contamination early.
o Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance activities, and water testing results. This documentation should be easily accessible for review and audit purposes.
4. Roles and Responsibilities:
o Designation of Responsible Persons: Identify and assign specific individuals responsible for implementing and maintaining the Legionella control measures. This includes ensuring they are adequately trained and competent.
o Training and Awareness: Provide regular training and updates to all staff involved in the management of water systems, ensuring they are aware of their responsibilities and the importance of Legionella control.
5. Contingency Plan:
o Emergency Response Procedures: Develop a clear contingency plan for responding to incidents of Legionella contamination. This should include steps for isolating affected areas, notifying relevant authorities, and conducting remediation activities.
o Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan to inform building occupants and stakeholders about any issues and the measures being taken to address them.
6. Review and Update:
o Periodic Review: Regularly review and update the written scheme to reflect changes in water system configurations, new regulations, or advancements in Legionella control methods.
o Continuous Improvement: Incorporate feedback from inspections and testing to continuously improve the Legionella control strategy.
Conclusion
Implementing a thorough and well-documented written scheme for Legionella control is not only a legal requirement but a crucial step in safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of water systems. By following best practices and continuously monitoring and updating the scheme, organizations can effectively manage the risks associated with Legionella bacteria, providing a safer environment for everyone. For more information on developing a comprehensive written scheme for Legionella control
or to discuss your specific needs, please contact Well Planned FM today. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in implementing robust measures to protect your water systems and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.