Protecting Education Facilities from Legionella: A Critical Responsibility

Legionella, the bacterium responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, poses a serious health risk

in environments where water systems are poorly maintained. Educational facilities—from

primary schools to universities—are particularly vulnerable due to the complexity of their

plumbing systems and periods of inactivity, such as school holidays. With the safety of

students, staff, and visitors at stake, understanding and mitigating Legionella risks is an

essential part of facility management in the education sector.

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a bacteria that thrives in warm, stagnant water—typically between 20°C and

45°C. It can multiply rapidly in plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, and other water

sources. People contract Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of contaminated

water. The disease is a severe form of pneumonia and can be fatal, particularly for

individuals with weakened immune systems.

Why Education Facilities are at Risk

1. Complex Water Systems:

Schools and universities often have large, intricate water systems including showers,

drinking fountains, laboratories, kitchens, and HVAC systems. This complexity increases the

potential for stagnation and biofilm development—prime conditions for Legionella growth.

2. Periods of Low Occupancy:

Extended breaks during summer, winter, and other holidays can leave water systems

unused for weeks, creating a favorable environment for bacterial proliferation.

3. Diverse Building Ages:

Many educational institutions consist of buildings constructed across different decades.

Older infrastructure may have outdated plumbing, dead legs (sections of unused pipe), or

inconsistent water temperatures—all factors that support Legionella survival.

In the Uk there are legal frameworks surrounding Legionella testing in schools fall under

broader health and safety regulations, particularly those concerning water systems and

the control of Legionella bacteria. Here’s an overview of the key legal obligations and

guidance documents:

1. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

General duty on employers (including school authorities) to ensure the health and

safety of staff, pupils, and visitors.

This includes controlling risks from Legionella bacteria.

2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Legionella is classed as a hazardous substance.

Employers must assess risks, implement control measures, and maintain

control over systems that could expose people to Legionella.

3. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Requires risk assessments to identify and manage hazards, including from water

systems.

Schools must designate a responsible person to manage Legionella risk.

4. Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 – “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of

Legionella bacteria in water systems”

 Published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

 While not law itself, compliance with ACoP L8 is considered best practice and helps

demonstrate legal compliance.

 Schools must:

o Identify and assess sources of risk (e.g., hot and cold-water systems).

o Prepare a written scheme for preventing or controlling the risk.

o Implement, manage, and monitor control measures.

o Maintain records of maintenance, testing, and monitoring

5. HSG274 Guidance (Parts 1–3)

Detailed technical guidance from HSE that complements ACoP L8.

Part 2 is particularly relevant to domestic-type water systems, like those in schools.

Health Risks for Students and Staff

While healthy individuals are at lower risk, certain groups in schools may be more

vulnerable:

Students or staff with weakened immune systems

Older staff members

Individuals with chronic lung conditions

Infections typically occur by inhaling contaminated aerosols, not by drinking contaminated

water.

Legal and Regulatory Responsibilities

In many countries, including the UK, there are strict regulations governing Legionella risk

management. Facility managers are legally obligated to perform routine risk assessments,

implement control measures, and ensure appropriate training for staff. Failure to comply can

result in serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Key Steps for Mitigating Risk

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments:

Identify all potential sources of Legionella, evaluate existing controls, and establish a

monitoring schedule.

2. Implement a Water Safety Plan:

Develop a comprehensive plan that includes regular flushing of rarely used outlets,

temperature monitoring, biocide treatment where appropriate, and routine maintenance.

3. Monitor Water Temperatures:

Hot water should be stored at 60°C and distributed at a minimum of 50°C, while cold water

should remain below 20°C to inhibit bacterial growth.

4. Maintain Records:

Keep detailed documentation of inspections, maintenance, temperature logs, and corrective

actions.

5. Educate and Train Staff:

Ensure that maintenance teams, custodial staff, and anyone involved in water system

management are trained in Legionella awareness and prevention.

Responding to a Legionella Outbreak

If Legionella is detected, swift action is essential:

• Isolate the affected area.

• Notify public health authorities.

• Conduct a thorough investigation.

• Clean and disinfect the contaminated system.

• Review and revise control measures to prevent recurrence.

Ensuring a safe learning environment goes beyond academic excellence—it includes

safeguarding the health of everyone on campus. By proactively managing water systems

and adhering to Legionella prevention protocols, education facilities can minimize risk and

demonstrate a strong commitment to public health.