Legionella Compliance for Educational Facilities: A 2025 Guide.
Legionella Compliance for Educational Facilities: A 2025 Guide for Schools, Colleges & Universities
What is Legionella and why should schools care?
Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) caused by breathing in tiny droplets of water that contain Legionella bacteria.
Schools and other educational institutions must exercise caution when it comes to water safety. If exposed to unsafe amounts of Legionella bacteria, young people, visitors, contractors or others may become ill.
Schools have a duty of care to parents who entrust them with their children's safety, and this responsibility must be taken very seriously. Any Legionella outbreak has a negative impact on your students' and staff's health and safety as well as your school's reputation.
Young people in schools 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 service regularly to ensure that children remain protected from the risk of being scaling. 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.
Are Schools Legally Required to Conduct Legionella Risk Assessments?
In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 there is a duty on employers (including school governing bodies, academy trusts, and local authorities) to ensure the health and safety of staff, pupils, and visitors — which includes risks from Legionella bacteria.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 regulations require schools to assess risks from biological agents such as Legionella and take appropriate control measures.
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8) provides detailed guidance on the prevention and control of Legionella in water systems, which schools are expected to follow.
Who is responsible for Legionella in schools?
The duty holder is the organisation or individual responsible for the premises under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Depending on the type of school, this will typically be:
Type of School/ Duty Holder
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Maintained (Local Authority) school
The local authority
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Academy or Free School
The academy trust
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Voluntary-aided or foundation school
The governing body
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Independent (Private) school
The proprietor or governing body
Do you have a question about Legionella Testing and Legionella Risk Assessment for Schools? Get in touch with our team and we'll arrange a consultation.
