A review of why some schools stayed closed following lockdown has highlighted issues around legionella control.
Seven schools in Blaenau Gwent, Wales, were forced to delay opening in September after legionella was discovered in water systems.
Now an investigation has found “significant gaps” in the council’s legionella management plans. An online system of gathering information, more training of staff and improvements to flushing of water systems will be carried out after it was concluded that the council’s practices did not meet current guidance.
This highlights the lack of knowledge on how to control legionella.
Your business has a duty to understand and monitor risk. While only a court of law can make a final ruling, local authority inspectors expect that all employers to follow the latest guidance on the prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease and to demonstrate compliance with the law.
The Health and Safety Executive states that you have a duty to source expert advice and SAS Water is available to provide that expert support.
Our independent Legionella audits are designed to give you confidence. We ensure that your business is fully compliant with all legal requirements and that your practices are up to date.
SAS Water can support your safety management, whether you need a comprehensive long-term solution or are facing a potential crisis. We ensure that you meet your legal responsibilities under Health and Safety Law to mitigate the risk of Legionella and your company is required to ensure that Legionella Risk Assessments are carried-out.
The first step involves developing and putting in place a comprehensive operating plan and then adding to your resilience by devising an emergency action plan which can be activated in the event of a problem.
Awareness training is also important. At SAS Water, we can provide training packages approved by the Legionella Control Association.
