{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Legionella Prevention and Water Safety Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a robust framework for the prevention, control, and management of Legionella bacteria in the water systems of {{org_field_name}}’s supported living services. This policy ensures compliance with CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) and Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment), safeguarding service users, staff, and visitors from waterborne diseases, particularly Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella is a potentially fatal bacterium that thrives in warm water systems. It can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, if inhaled through water droplets. This policy outlines preventive measures, monitoring strategies, and staff responsibilities to maintain water safety in all premises.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all premises operated by {{org_field_name}}, including residential settings, communal facilities, office spaces, and any locations where water is used or stored. It covers all staff, service users, contractors, and external maintenance personnel responsible for water safety.

3. Related Policies

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (SL16)
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (SL18)
• Safe Care and Treatment Policy (SL11)
• Premises and Equipment Policy (Regulation 15)
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (SL17)
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (SL19)

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Management Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with CQC, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) L8 Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), and Water Safety Regulations.
• Appoint a Responsible Person to oversee Legionella prevention and water safety measures.
• Conduct Legionella risk assessments at least annually and whenever there are system modifications.
• Implement water system maintenance plans, ensuring routine flushing, temperature checks, and descaling procedures.
• Arrange professional Legionella testing and water sampling where required.
• Ensure that all staff are trained on water safety risks and prevention strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of all risk assessments, test results, and maintenance activities.

4.2 Staff Responsibilities

• Follow all procedures for flushing unused water outlets, cleaning, and temperature monitoring.
• Report any water system concerns (e.g., low pressure, discolouration, odour, or lack of hot water).
• Support service users in maintaining good personal hygiene practices related to water use.
• Cooperate with water safety audits and inspections conducted by the Responsible Person.

4.3 Service User Responsibilities

• Use water safely, following any guidance provided by staff.
• Report concerns about water quality or temperature to staff immediately.

4.4 External Contractors and Maintenance Personnel

• Conduct Legionella risk assessments and provide reports with actionable recommendations.
• Perform water system inspections, testing, and treatment in line with best practices.
• Notify management of any hazards or system deficiencies identified during maintenance.

5. Legionella Risk Assessment and Prevention Measures

5.1 Conducting Legionella Risk Assessments

• Assess all water systems for potential Legionella contamination.
• Identify high-risk areas, such as hot water tanks, storage units, infrequently used outlets, and areas with stagnant water.
• Review factors including water temperature, pipe material, and water flow rates.
• Implement a written Legionella control plan detailing preventive actions and monitoring schedules.

5.2 Water System Maintenance and Control Measures

• Temperature Control:
  • Keep hot water at 60°C or above to kill Legionella bacteria.
  • Ensure cold water is below 20°C to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Check temperature at sentinel points (e.g., taps, showers) weekly.
• Water Flushing Procedures:
  • Flush unused outlets at least weekly.
  • Run taps and showers for at least 2 minutes to prevent stagnation.
• Descaling and Cleaning:
  • Clean and descale showerheads, taps, and aerators every three months.
  • Regularly disinfect water storage tanks and pipework.

5.3 Legionella Testing and Monitoring

• Conduct water sampling and laboratory testing if required based on risk assessment findings.
• Document temperature checks, test results, and maintenance activities for compliance and audit purposes.
• Implement corrective measures if Legionella bacteria are detected.

5.4 Emergency Procedures in Case of Legionella Contamination

• Isolate affected water systems immediately.
• Notify CQC, local health authorities, and service users.
• Arrange emergency disinfection treatments.
• Provide alternative water sources where necessary.
• Conduct a full system review before restoring water supply.

6. Training and Awareness

• All staff will receive Legionella awareness training during induction and at least annually.
• Training includes Legionella risks, water safety practices, temperature monitoring, and emergency procedures.
• The Responsible Person will receive advanced training to oversee compliance and risk management.

7. Record-Keeping and Compliance

• Maintain records of risk assessments, maintenance logs, temperature monitoring, and testing reports.
• Store Legionella control documentation in a central location for CQC inspection.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness of control measures.

8. CQC Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

• Adhere to CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) ensuring a safe water supply.
• Meet CQC Regulation 15 (Premises and Equipment) requirements for proper maintenance and hygiene of water systems.
• Follow HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8, which outlines legal responsibilities for Legionella prevention.
• Cooperate with CQC inspections, demonstrating robust Legionella risk management.

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• There is a significant water safety incident.
• CQC or HSE updates regulations affecting Legionella control.
• Internal audits or external inspections recommend policy improvements.

---

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.