If you read the approved code of practice on legionella control it seems pretty simple. It describes a routine of maintenance operations and inspections which will minimise the risk that the bacteria is not given the correct conditions to multiply. The examples the ACoP quotes makes the task look simple. If you are managing a single small building it is very simple.
But what if you are managing a large building with several complicated water systems?
We believe that there are three serious problems which an organisation faces when trying to meet its responsibilities:
Information management
The sheer volume of tests carried out on taps and storage tanks means that it is difficult to manage all the information. Particular difficulty is faced in the analysis of results and in the identification of areas which may have passed an inspection but which may present a problem in the future.
Quality assurance
With so many tests to carry out how can you be sure that they are being completed properly? Regardless of whether you use in-house staff or sub contract the work you need to be sure that the work for which you are legally responsible is completed on time and to the right specification.
Keeping the control measures relevant
Once a risk assessment has been carried out and the control measures implemented then they are seldom reviewed and revised. Much can happen in a building which could affect legionella control strategy. The use of a room may change which means that it is used by persons who are highly susceptible to infection or a small part of the water system may be modified without adequate consideration for the impact on the building’s water system.
In order to keep the risk assessment and control system up to date those responsible need feedback from the users of the building. If a room has changed use or modifications to the water system have been carried out then the responsible person needs to know.