HCS123-Legionella Prevention and Water Safety Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Legionella Prevention and Water Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and control measures that {{org_field_name}} implements to prevent and manage the risks associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems. Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with respiratory conditions. As a domiciliary care provider, {{org_field_name}} has a duty to ensure that all water systems within properties where care is provided remain safe and do not pose a health risk to the people we support, staff, or visitors. This policy ensures that we adhere to the highest safety standards and comply with relevant legislation, including The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8: “Legionnaires’ Disease: The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems,” and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Care Inspectorate.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including management, carers, and support workers, as well as the people we support and their families, particularly those who may be at higher risk due to age or medical conditions. It also applies to any properties and water systems used in the provision of care services, including service users’ homes, office buildings, and any other facilities operated by {{org_field_name}}. Given the nature of domiciliary care, the application of this policy must be adapted to ensure that risks are managed effectively within private homes while still respecting the autonomy of individuals receiving care.

3. Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and guidance concerning Legionella control. This includes conducting Legionella risk assessments for all properties where care is provided, appointing a competent person responsible for water safety, implementing and reviewing a comprehensive Water Safety Plan (WSP), maintaining accurate records of all risk assessments, monitoring, and maintenance actions, and ensuring that staff receive appropriate training on Legionella prevention. Additionally, management must ensure that any external contractors hired to conduct water safety testing or maintenance are competent and comply with health and safety requirements.

Staff Responsibilities

All staff have a duty to follow training and guidance related to Legionella control. They must report any issues with water systems, including unusual odours, discolouration, changes in water temperature, or concerns raised by the people we support. Carers should encourage good water hygiene practices in service users’ homes, such as running taps regularly, and should ensure that they themselves use water systems safely, following best practices when assisting individuals with bathing or showering.

People We Support and Their Families

The people we support and their families should be informed about necessary precautions for Legionella prevention and should be encouraged to report any concerns regarding water safety in their homes. While {{org_field_name}} has a duty to manage risks, we also recognise the importance of empowering individuals to maintain safe water use practices within their own homes.

4. Risk Assessment

Identifying Risk Factors

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water, particularly in systems where water temperatures are between 20-45°C. A Legionella risk assessment must be carried out in all settings where {{org_field_name}} provides care. Factors to consider include the presence of stored or stagnant water in tanks or pipes, areas with warm water that could promote bacterial growth, infrequently used outlets such as taps and showers, and the vulnerability of individuals exposed to potential Legionella risks.

Conducting a Risk Assessment

Risk assessments should be conducted by a competent professional at least annually or whenever there are changes in the water system. The assessment must document the system layout, the control measures in place, the inspection and monitoring schedules, and any corrective actions taken. Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness.

5. Legionella Control Measures

Temperature Control

Temperature control is the most effective method for preventing Legionella growth. Cold water should be maintained below 20°C, and hot water should be kept above 50°C to prevent bacterial multiplication. Regular temperature monitoring should be conducted to ensure compliance, with records maintained as part of routine checks. If temperature deviations are identified, remedial actions must be taken immediately, such as adjusting thermostats or flushing systems.

Flushing of Infrequently Used Outlets

Infrequently used water outlets, such as taps and showers, present a significant risk for Legionella growth. These outlets should be flushed at least weekly to prevent water stagnation. In domiciliary care settings, where carers are providing support in private homes, they should encourage service users or their families to run taps and showers regularly, particularly in spare bathrooms or sinks that are seldom used.

Water Storage and Maintenance

Wherever possible, stored water should be avoided or minimised. Water tanks should be covered and insulated to prevent contamination and temperature fluctuations. Any redundant pipework should be removed to eliminate areas where stagnant water may collect. If storage tanks are necessary, they should be regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained to prevent bacterial buildup.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Taps and showerheads should be descaled and disinfected at least quarterly to prevent biofilm formation, which can harbour Legionella bacteria. Routine cleaning schedules should be established and documented, and all disinfection procedures should follow industry best practices using approved cleaning agents.

6. Training and Awareness

All staff will receive Legionella awareness training as part of their induction and at regular intervals thereafter. Training will cover the identification of risks, safe practices for handling water systems, reporting and recording procedures, and emergency actions in the event of contamination. Staff will also be informed about their role in supporting individuals to manage water safety within their own homes. Training records must be maintained, and refresher courses should be provided to ensure ongoing competency.

7. Emergency Procedures

If a suspected or confirmed Legionella contamination occurs, immediate action must be taken. The affected water source should be shut down, and the responsible manager and health authorities must be informed. Water samples should be collected and tested to confirm contamination levels. If Legionella is detected, remedial actions such as system disinfection, temperature adjustments, and further risk assessments must be carried out. People receiving care must be informed of any risks, and alternative water sources should be provided if necessary. Follow-up monitoring should be conducted to confirm that remediation has been successful, and a full review of control measures should be undertaken to prevent recurrence.

8. Record Keeping

Accurate record-keeping is essential for compliance and safety. All Legionella risk assessments, temperature monitoring logs, cleaning and maintenance schedules, staff training records, and details of any remedial actions taken must be documented and stored securely. Records should be made available for inspection by the Care Inspectorate and other regulatory bodies as required.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following related policies: Infection Prevention and Control Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Risk Assessment and Management Policy, and Staff Training and Development Policy. These policies provide further guidance on maintaining a safe and compliant care environment.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, updates to best practice guidance, or any incidents related to Legionella that necessitate a review of control measures. Continuous improvement is essential to ensuring the ongoing safety and well-being of the people we support and our staff.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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