Water Quality Services

L8: The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems requires an assessment of the likelihood of Legionnella proliferation and human exposure.

Assessments require a schematic drawing of water services to identify stored water, heat exchangers and all outlets. A Scheme of Precautions is necessary to demonstrate an understanding of control measures.

Logbooks, routine audits and sampling are an effective means of recording and testing control measures. This demonstrates to the Health and Safety Executive that effective control and remedial action measures are in place.

Poorly managed Cooling Towers are a major source of Legionellosis outbreaks necessitating notification, maintenance and effective water treatment. Risk assessment and routine audits are required to demonstrate control and ensure system integrity.

Cold water storage tanks and the associated down water services are required to be in line with L8: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. Annual chlorination of these services is recommended.

Pseudomonas can proliferate within closed systems blocking pipe-work whilst scale and corrosion may also develop. Effective water treatment and regular testing is required to ensure effective control.