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At H2O Hygiene, we offer Legionella testing for schools, colleges and universities, giving expert support that goes beyond ticking boxes. We understand that water compliance isn’t a one-size-fits-all task, which is why our highly skilled team takes a proactive, tailored approach to keeping your premises safe from Legionella risks.
From bespoke school Legionella risk assessments to water treatment, remedial plumbing and maintenance tasks, we ensure your water system remains compliant and free of contamination.
Why Legionella testing is critical in schools
Legionella is a type of bacteria that’s spread through the inhalation of contaminated water droplets. Common breeding grounds for Legionella include showers, hot water tanks, air conditioning systems, hot tubs and humidifiers – primarily areas where water sits for long periods. The following factors can contribute to Legionella risks:
- Older plumbing systems where water sits for long periods
- Lukewarm temperatures between 20-50°C
- Large, complex plumbing networks with little water movement
- Water systems with limescale or corrosion
Contrary to what many people believe, Legionella isn’t transmitted through drinking water and cannot be spread from person to person. Legionella testing for schools is important to carry out regularly, as there are plenty of areas where water sits stagnant in pipes, especially over school closures. In 2023, there were 604 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales – the highest total since 2017. To mitigate risks, schools should implement regular maintenance and routine testing to keep the likelihood of an outbreak low. For a bespoke school Legionella risk assessment, contact our team for a free quote.
- What are the legal and regulatory requirements in the UK?
Regular Legionella testing for schools prevents exposure to Legionella bacteria and is crucial to maintaining a safe and compliant environment. Schools must adhere to legal requirements like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which sets the broad legal framework for health and safety, placing a duty on employers to protect individuals from harm. Here at H2O Hygiene, we ensure all our Legionella testing adheres to the HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
Educational institutions must adhere to these legal obligations to protect children, staff and anyone entering the school environment from Legionella risks. The only way to prevent this is through a school Legionella risk assessment.
- Why choose H20 Hygiene?
Trust our qualified team to handle your water systems with the utmost care and compliance. With years of carrying out Legionella testing for schools amongst other industries, our fully trained engineers know exactly what needs to be done to protect your premises.
We have a tailored approach to every client we work with, providing full ACoP L8/HSG274 water compliance services across the UK. We treat your water system as if it were our own and our team of expert engineers, consultants and technical specialists consistently holds high standards of work.
- For education establishments, we deliver:
- Legionella risk assessments
- Remedial work
- Full compliance water hygiene services
- TMV servicing and replacement
- Staff training
Legionella risk assessments in schools FAQs
How often should Legionella risk assessments be done in schools?
Legionella testing for schools should be carried out every two years. However, if the water system is modified or there’s a suspected case of Legionnaires’ disease, these risk assessments should be done more frequently. Temperature checks of hot and cold water should also be carried out monthly as standard and regular maintenance, like cleaning and descaling, should be done to keep risks low.
Is Legionella testing a legal requirement for schools?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, a school Legionella risk assessment must be conducted to protect students, staff and visitors from Legionella risks. This also goes for colleges and universities.
Along with our school Legionella risk assessment, we offer remedial work, thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) service and replacement and staff training to help you stay compliant in the future.
Need a school Legionella risk assessment? Contact H20 Hygiene today!
Proactive management is always better than reactive maintenance. If you’re concerned about your water hygiene system, need water treatment or Legionella remedial works, contact our experts today on 01922 666108 or [email protected] and we’ll provide a free quote for Legionella testing for schools. You can trust that your water is in safe hands with our expert team.
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