Legionella Risk Assessment for Schools

Legionella Risk Assessments for Schools

Keeping water systems safe in schools is essential. Legionella bacteria can grow in water and cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious lung infection. Schools, colleges, and universities have a responsibility to protect students, staff, and visitors from this health risk.

A Legionella risk assessment for schools helps identify and control potential dangers in water systems.

Why Schools Need a Legionella Risk Assessment

Schools face unique challenges when it comes to Legionella management. Some key risk factors include:

• Complex Plumbing Systems – Large buildings have extensive pipe networks, making it harder to monitor water quality in all areas.
• Varying Water Temperatures – Different parts of the building may have different temperatures, some of which may encourage bacterial growth.
• Multiple Users – Students, staff, and visitors use water facilities throughout the day, increasing the chance of exposure.
• Lack of Use for Set Periods of Time - Water may sit unused during weekends, holidays, or in rarely used areas. This creates an environment where bacteria can thrive.

A thorough risk assessment helps prevent bacterial outbreaks and ensures your school follows UK health and safety regulations, including ACOP (Approved Code of Practice) L8 guidelines.

Understanding the Dangers of Legionella

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, which is a serious type of pneumonia. People can get infected by breathing in tiny water droplets from contaminated sources such as taps, showers, or air conditioning units.

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include:

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include high fever, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Schools must take extra care to prevent the spread of Legionella and protect everyone in their community.

Our Legionella Risk Assessment Services for Schools

At Summit Environmental, we offer a complete Legionella risk assessment service for schools. Our trained professionals will inspect your water systems, identify risks, and provide expert recommendations to keep your school safe and compliant.

Our process includes:

• Inspecting Water Systems – We examine hot and cold water systems, including taps, showers, storage tanks, and cooling towers, to find areas where Legionella might grow.
• Identifying Risks – We assess factors like water temperature, flow rates, and potential stagnation points that could encourage bacterial growth.
• Testing and Monitoring – We conduct water sampling and temperature checks to detect any signs of Legionella contamination.
• Providing Control Measures – We recommend simple but effective actions, such as adjusting temperatures, flushing unused pipes, and improving maintenance routines.
• Creating Compliance Reports – After the assessment, we provide a clear and detailed report explaining any risks found and what actions should be taken to remain compliant with UK safety laws.
• Ongoing Support and Monitoring – Legionella prevention is an ongoing task. We offer continued support, regular monitoring, and expert advice to help schools maintain a safe water system.