26 Feb 2009 - Legionella - Operating Hot and Cold Water Systems Correctly

 

Training is an essential part of a company’s legionella control policy.

 

In 2001 the Health and Safety Commission and Executive published Approved Code of Practice L8, entitled ‘Legionnaires’ Disease - The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’.

 

The Approved Code of Practice has a special legal status. If a company is prosecuted for breach of health and safety law with regards to controlling the bacteria that causes 'Legionnaires ’ disease and it is proved that the company did not follow the relevant provisions of the Code, a court will find the company at fault.

 

Approved Code of Practice L8 places particular importance on the training of personnel at all levels within a company. The need for training is explained in paragraph 43 of the Approved Code of Practice, which states –

 

Inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication have all been identified as contributory factors in outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. It is therefore important that those people involved in applying precautions are competent, trained and aware of their responsibilities’. 

 

Legionella - Operating hot and cold water systems correctly is a half day course aimed at those who carry out routine testing on hot and cold water systems

 

The course explains the responsibilities of operators who carry out weekly, monthly, quarterly, six monthly and annual checks on hot and cold water systems.

 

Legionella - Operating hot and cold water systems correctly covers the control of legionella in hot and cold water systems with a demonstration on how to flush outlets correctly, descale and disinfect showers, record results and identify remedial actions
 

Legionella - Operating hot and cold water systems correctly is designed to look at legionella control from a practical point of view rather than talking about a mysterious bug. The course introduces:

1. The microbiology of legionella; what it is, how it multiplies, what conditions it requires to grow and how it develops within our bodies and causes Legionnaires’ disease.
   
   
2. The history of legionella Legionnaires' disease.
   
   
3. Approved Code of Practice L8 and the legal responsibilities of all parties appointed to control legionella.
   
   
4. Precautionary measures.
   
   
5. The safe operation and monitoring of hot and cold water systems.

 

Course handouts and course certificates are provided on the day.