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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Legionella Prevention and Water Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively manages the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems, safeguarding the health and well-being of service users, staff, and visitors. This policy ensures compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), the Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) – Legionnaires’ Disease: The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems, and the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 (RISCA).

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria, which thrive in stagnant or untreated water systems. This policy outlines our approach to identifying risks, controlling Legionella growth, and ensuring water safety in domiciliary care settings.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care workers, administrative staff, and managers.
• All service users receiving domiciliary care, particularly those who are at higher risk (e.g., elderly individuals, those with weakened immune systems, or chronic respiratory conditions).
• Third-party contractors, including landlords, property managers, and maintenance teams responsible for water systems in service users’ homes.

This policy covers:

• Legionella risk assessment and control measures.
• Monitoring and maintaining water safety.
• Staff training and responsibilities.
• Emergency procedures for Legionella outbreaks.

3. Identifying and Assessing Legionella Risks

Legionella bacteria thrive in water systems that are:

• Stored or stagnant between 20°C and 45°C.
• Poorly maintained, with scale or biofilm buildup.
• Inefficiently used, such as unused taps or showers.

3.1 Legionella Risk Assessments

{{org_field_name}} ensures that all service users’ homes and operational facilities undergo regular Legionella risk assessments to identify and mitigate risks. These assessments consider:

• Water storage and heating systems (checking temperatures, cleanliness, and stagnation risks).
• Low-usage outlets (unused taps, showers, or other water sources that could harbour bacteria).
• The vulnerability of the service user (individuals with respiratory conditions, weakened immune systems, or mobility issues).
• Signs of contamination, such as discoloured water or unusual odours.

If a high risk is identified, {{org_field_name}} will liaise with landlords or property managers to ensure remedial action is taken.

4. Controlling Legionella Risks in Domiciliary Care

4.1 Water Temperature Management

• Hot water should be stored at 60°C or above and distributed at a minimum of 50°C at taps and showers.
• Cold water should be stored below 20°C to prevent bacterial growth.
• Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) may be used to prevent scalding risks while maintaining safe temperatures.

4.2 Flushing Infrequently Used Outlets

• Taps and showers that are not used regularly must be flushed for at least two minutes weekly to prevent stagnation.
• Care staff will monitor and document flushing routines in service user records if required.

4.3 Cleaning and Descaling Fixtures

• Showerheads and taps must be descaled and disinfected at least quarterly to prevent bacteria buildup.
• Service users with mobility limitations may receive assistance from their care team or a designated property manager to ensure proper maintenance.

4.4 Safe Use of Water Equipment

• Hosepipes, whirlpool baths, and humidifiers should be cleaned regularly, and stagnant water must be drained after use.
• Staff must report any faulty plumbing, leaks, or signs of contamination immediately to the Registered Manager.

5. Managing Legionella Risks in Rented Properties

For service users living in rented accommodation, landlords and housing associations are legally responsible for ensuring water safety. {{org_field_name}} will:

• Request annual Legionella risk assessments from landlords.
• Work with housing providers to ensure water systems are maintained in compliance with ACoP L8 guidelines.
• Escalate concerns to the local authority if landlords fail to fulfil their obligations.

If a service user owns their home, we will provide guidance and encourage them to arrange water system maintenance as needed.

6. Staff Responsibilities and Training

All care staff, managers, and maintenance personnel are trained to:

• Recognise Legionella risks and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease.
• Follow proper flushing, cleaning, and temperature control measures.
• Report any concerns related to water hygiene, including poor water pressure, discoloured water, or unusual odours.

Training is provided during induction and annual refresher courses, ensuring compliance with CIW and health and safety regulations.

7. Responding to Legionella Contamination

If Legionella bacteria are detected in a water system, {{org_field_name}} will:

1. Immediately cease use of affected water sources and implement alternative arrangements.
2. Inform service users, staff, and any affected third parties.
3. Arrange for emergency water testing and disinfection by a qualified professional.
4. Ensure that all water systems are flushed, cleaned, and tested before being reinstated.
5. Report the incident to relevant health authorities and CIW if required.

If a service user develops symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease, such as a persistent cough, fever, or breathing difficulties, emergency medical help must be sought immediately (999), and the Registered Manager must be informed.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

To ensure ongoing compliance, {{org_field_name}}:

• Conducts regular audits to verify compliance with Legionella prevention protocols.
• Maintains detailed records of water safety checks, risk assessments, and remedial actions.
• Works closely with local authorities, landlords, and environmental health officers to ensure best practices in water hygiene.
• Reviews policies and procedures annually or sooner if regulations change.

Failure to comply with Legionella control measures may result in disciplinary action, regulatory intervention from CIW, and legal consequences under health and safety law.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, CIW regulations, or best practices change. Updates will be communicated to all staff.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.