Legionella Awareness
This City & Guilds Accredited Programme is designed to provide delegates with a thorough understanding of Legionella bacteria, the risks it poses, and the necessary control measures to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Legionella bacteria, if not properly managed, can pose serious health risks, including the development of Legionnaires’ Disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
Description
Key Learning Objectives:
✅ Understanding Legionella Bacteria
- Learn what Legionella bacteria is and how it develops in water systems.
- Understand the conditions that encourage Legionella growth, including stagnant water, temperature ranges, and biofilm formation.
✅ Legionnaires’ Disease and Health Risks
- Recognize the symptoms and health implications of Legionnaires’ Disease.
- Understand the susceptibility factors, including individuals at higher risk (elderly, immunocompromised, and those with underlying respiratory conditions).
- Gain an understanding of how Legionella affects the lungs, causing pneumonia and other complications.
✅ Legionella Transmission and Risk Factors
- Learn the routes of transmission, including aerosol generation from showers, cooling towers, spa pools, and water outlets.
- Understand the importance of aerosol production in the spread of Legionella and how mist, droplets, and spray contribute to infection.
- Identify common water systems that pose a foreseeable risk, such as hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, and industrial water processes.
✅ Legislation and Compliance
- Gain an overview of key legislation and guidance, including ACoP L8 (Approved Code of Practice), HSG274 Part 2, COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations), and other water safety standards.
- Understand employer and employee responsibilities in Legionella risk management.
- Learn the legal implications of non-compliance and how to mitigate risks through proper documentation and safety measures.
✅ Legionella Risk Assessments and Written Schemes
- Gain an understanding of the importance of risk assessments in Legionella control.
- Learn what a Legionella Risk Assessment should include and how to conduct one effectively.
- Understand the role of a written scheme of control, why it is required, and how it ensures ongoing management of Legionella risks.
- Learn how to document control measures, monitoring schedules, and emergency procedures to maintain compliance.
✅ Hot & Cold Water System Monitoring and Inspection
- Learn the importance of routine inspections and monitoring in Legionella prevention.
- Understand key water temperature control measures, such as keeping hot water at above 50°C and cold water below 20°C to prevent bacterial growth.
- Identify methods of water system maintenance, including flushing regimes, descaling, disinfection procedures, and filter changes.
- Gain knowledge of best practices for tank inspections, sampling, and vessel purging to prevent stagnation and contamination.
✅ Management Pathways and Responsibilities
- Learn the importance of an effective management structure for Legionella control.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of duty holders, responsible persons, and appointed Legionella risk assessors.
- Gain insights into emergency procedures and how to respond to Legionella outbreaks or failed risk assessments.
By the end of this training, delegates will have a comprehensive understanding of Legionella bacteria, how it spreads, and how to implement preventive measures to manage risks effectively. This course is essential for individuals responsible for water system safety and compliance, including facilities managers, maintenance personnel, health & safety officers, and duty holders.
This course ensures that delegates leave with the confidence and knowledge to contribute to Legionella risk management and maintain compliance with health and safety regulations.