How little-used outlets and stagnant water quietly create problems in buildings Walk around almost any building and you’ll find them. The shower in a changing room nobody uses anymore. The sink in a meeting room kitchen staff forgot existed. The tap in a spare office, an unused hotel room, or a healthcare room waiting for…
Cold water storage tanks are a common feature in many commercial and older buildings across the UK. When properly maintained, they play an important role in supplying water throughout a system. But when things go wrong, they can quickly become one of the highest Legionella risk assets on site. So, when does a cold water…
When it comes to managing Legionella risk, one of the most overlooked but essential elements is having accurate and adequate water system schematics. Many small businesses and landlords either: And that’s where problems begin. 🔍 What Is a Legionella Schematic? A Legionella schematic is a simple drawing that shows how water moves through your building.…
One of the most common issues I come across when carrying out Legionella risk assessments is surprisingly simple: There is no written scheme of control in place. The site may have: …but no clear, structured plan explaining how Legionella risk is actually being managed. And that’s a problem. What Is a Written Scheme of Control?…
Educational buildings contain a wide variety of water systems, from simple wash basins and staff kitchenettes to complex laboratories, cooling equipment and student accommodation. Because these systems operate under different conditions and usage patterns, effective Legionella control is essential for schools, colleges and universities. Educational facilities also experience seasonal changes in occupancy, such as school…
Introduction For many organisations, Legionella compliance records have traditionally been kept in paper folders. However, as compliance expectations increase and audits become more structured, digital logbooks are becoming the preferred solution. Understanding the differences is key to maintaining defensible compliance. The Problem with Paper Logbooks Paper systems are often inconsistent, incomplete, and difficult to review.…
Introduction If you are responsible for managing a building’s water system, you must not only control the risk of Legionella — you must be able to demonstrate that control. Demonstration means documentation. If monitoring is not recorded properly, it cannot be proven. Legal Requirements Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Control…
Introduction If you are responsible for a building’s water system, you are legally required to assess, manage, and monitor the risk of Legionella. What many duty holders misunderstand is that monitoring alone is not enough. Records must be kept. If it is not documented, it has not been done. What the Law Requires Under the…
Introduction Setting up a Legionella logbook is not about creating paperwork for the sake of it. It is about creating a structured system that demonstrates control of your water systems. When built correctly, a digital logbook becomes the backbone of compliance. Step 1 – Define Responsibility Clearly Identify the duty holder and responsible person. Record…
Legionella risk assessments are a vital part of managing safe water systems, but many organisations are unsure how often they should be reviewed — or when a review becomes essential. With buildings, usage patterns, and regulations constantly evolving, relying on an outdated assessment can leave hidden risks unchecked. This blog explores how frequently Legionella risk…