Legionella Risk Assessments for Care Homes: 2025

Care homes and the requirement to remain legionella compliant.

Some of our society's most vulnerable citizens are housed in care facilities. For individuals who live and work there, they ought to offer a clean and safe atmosphere.

If exposed to Legionella bacteria, the elderly and the sick are some of the persons most prone to contract Legionnaire's disease. Care homes should take legionella management seriously, with routine testing and ongoing monitoring.

Are Care Homes Legally Required to Carry Out Legionella Risk Assessments?

Failure to assess and control Legionella risks may breach CQC health and safety standards under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, especially:

Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment
Regulation 15: Premises and Equipment

Why Are Care Homes High-Risk for Legionnaires’ Disease?

Care homes are considered high-risk environments for Legionnaires’ disease because residents are typically older adults with weakened immune system. Additionally due to the size of many care homes there can be complex plumbing systems may include unused outlets or stored water.

When Should You Review or Repeat a Legionella Risk Assessment?

At Regular Intervals (Typically Every 2 Years)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends reviewing the risk assessment regularly, and commonly every 2 years for most premises.
In higher-risk environments like care homes, more frequent reviews (e.g. annually) may be appropriate.

2. If There Is a Change in the Water System

Installation of new pipework, showers, tanks, or hot water cylinders
Removal or alteration of any outlets or plumbing layouts

3. After a Period of Low Usage or Closure

After holidays, refurbishment works.
Stagnant water increases Legionella growth risk

4. If Monitoring Results Suggest a Problem

Inconsistent temperatures
Positive Legionella sample results
Limescale, rust, or biofilm observed

5. If There’s a Case or Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease

A full reassessment and investigation must be carried out immediately

6. Change of Responsible Person

If a new person is appointed to oversee Legionella control, a review should ensure that processes are understood and up to date

What are the consequences of Legionella Non-Compliance in Care Homes

The consequences of Legionella non-compliance in care homes can be severe. Legally, financially, and in terms of resident safety. Care homes house vulnerable people, the duty of care is heightened, and failures are taken very seriously by regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

TMV servicing in Care homes.

Elderly people tend to be at a higher risk from scalding, which in turn leads to the presence of thermostatic mixer valves at most locations. These valves should be serviced regularly to ensure that they remain protected from the risk of being scalded. At Absolute water compliance, we have over 20 years experience in TMV servicing which means you can rest assured that this risk is managed effectively in your buildings.

Do you have a question or query?
Our experienced team are on hand to help.

Here at Absolute Water Compliance we have professional accreditation's and wide range of water compliance services that will ensure that care homes are maintaining the best practice in water compliance.

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