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Legionella risk assessments for schools, colleges, universities and other education premises
Legionella risk assessments for schools, colleges, universities and other education premises need to be updated at least every two years. But, a Legionella risk assessment is more than just a piece of paper. Read more about Legionella risk assessments.
The Legionella risk assessment process starts with an assessment of the water system(s). Schools, colleges and universities usually have extensive water systems so it's common for water compliance to be outsourced. If an education premises has vulnerable people on site then managing the Legionella risks is even more important.
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We have over 10 years of experience in Legionella compliance and our customers rate us 10/10. Let us help you with your next Legionella risk assessment.
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A Legionella risk assessment is not just a piece of paper.
Legionella risk assessments are an in-depth survey of your water system(s) - the starting point for water hygiene compliance.
Legionella compliance for schools, colleges, universities and other education premises
Legionella and water hygiene compliance are covered by various acts and regulations. As a responsible person, you have a duty of care to anyone attending the education premise. This includes staff, pupils and visitors.
We can help you navigate the compliance expectations including the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) Legionella compliance expects you to:
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Demonstrate you understand the risks of Legionella
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Appoint a competent person to manage the risk of Legionella
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Keep fit-for-purpose records
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Undertake a regular Legionella risk assessment
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Follow the steps outlined in the most recent Legionella risk assessment
Need some help with this? We have the experience to make Legionella compliance feel straightforward.
Help with water hygiene compliance
Legionella risk assessments
Education premises can be at higher risk of a Legionella outbreak. Any Legionella risk assessment for a school, college or other education premises should consider these three key risks:
Large and complex water systems - Often there are multiple buildings across a site which may also include residential buildings. Each different water system will need appropriate considerations and maintenance.
Lack of use / stagnant water - If you have wash areas, toilets or water pipes that aren’t used as frequently then this can cause a much higher risk of Legionella. Or if areas remain unused such as during summer holidays then this also increases the risk of a Legionella outbreak.
Water temperatures - Legionella bacteria thrive between 25 and 45 degrees. High temperatures during school summer holidays and stagnant water can be a dangerous combination. But understanding where the high risks come from makes it much easier to manage.
What to do with a Legionella risk assessment?
Legionella risk assessments for education premises will include specific actions. These actions keep you compliant and minimise the risks of Legionella. Legionella risk assessment actions may include:
Staff Legionella awareness training
Temperature monitoring of taps
Keeping records
Regular flushing low-used taps
Cleaning and descaling taps
Removing redundant pipework
Water testing
Legionella risk management should be ongoing to remain compliant. Not sure what you need to stay compliant?
Book a free water compliance consultation with one of our friendly experts.
Book a free consultation
FAQs for Legionella risk assessments in education premises
Which parts of the site need a Legionella risk assessment?
Any water system within education premises will need to be covered by a Legionella risk assessment. Water systems include taps, showers, water storage tanks and more. If you have new water systems or changes to your existing water systems then you will need to update your Legionella risk assessment before the two-year expiry or your last assessment. If part of your system needs to be assessed due to changes, then you could opt to have your whole system(s) assessed. This makes particular sense if you’re near your two-year expiry for old or unchanged areas but want to bring all of your Legionella compliance deadlines in line with each other.
Can I carry out Legionella risk assessments myself?
In theory, yes. Anyone can carry out a Legionella risk assessment. However, anyone carrying out a Legionella risk assessment is expected to understand the three main areas of compliance (on top of the guidance from the Health and Safety Executive).
These are:
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Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974,
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the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999,
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the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
This is the main reason it’s commonplace to outsource Legionella risk assessments to a specialist. Using a specialist also provides peace of mind! We’ve done this thousands of times before.
Do schools need Legionella risk assessments if they’re privately run?
Yes! The same legislation applies to private and state schools.
How often does water need to be tested for Legionella in schools?
Many education premises will have budgetary concerns. We see this every day. Working with an experienced Legionella risk assessor will open up the most effective and efficient way of managing risks from Legionella - including testing. It’s the same with healthcare providers. There is high risk but not always the budget to match. Testing can play a key role in protecting health and being compliant. But this will only be picked up during your Legionella risk assessment process as each site is different.
Are you DBS checked?
Yes. We are advanced DBS checked and have to be. We work in lots of buildings where there are children or vulnerable adults. We carry out Legionella risk assessments, compliance support and training for care homes, dental practices, hospitals, schools, nurseries and other areas which require a full DBS check.
More information about Legionella compliance and risk assessments
Managing Legionella in hot and cold water systems
The Legionella hub on the Health and Safety Executive website