Legionella Training
Understand what you need to do to minimise the risks of legionella bacteria in your water systems
Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease Awareness Training Course
This comprehensive Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease Awareness Training course aims to assist holders in gaining a thorough understanding of their legal obligations pertaining to the management of legionella risks in various man-made water systems. These systems include evaporative cooling systems, hot and cold water systems, and other vulnerable installations such as spa pools. By delving into relevant legislation and regulations, including the invaluable guidance provided by ACOP L8, participants will acquire insights into the regulatory framework surrounding legionella. The course also highlights the common risks associated with man-made water systems, equipping duty holders with the knowledge necessary to conduct rigorous legionella risk assessments and implement effective control measures.
Upon completion of this course, you will possess the necessary knowledge and tools to proactively minimise the presence of legionella bacteria within your water systems. By taking appropriate measures, you will effectively safeguard individuals who may potentially encounter legionella risks, ensuring their protection from any harm that could arise.
£70 + VAT
Who is suitable for this course?
This course is essential for duty holders responsible for premises of any size, including employers, self-employed individuals, landlords, and letting agents. It covers legal duties, risk assessment, and control measures for legionella in various man-made water systems such as cooling systems, hot and cold water systems, spa pools, and more. Based on ACOP L8 and other relevant guidance documents, this training helps duty holders follow guidelines, find further advice, and ensure safety in their specific water systems.
How is the course assessed?
Upon finishing the training material, you will proceed to an online assessment. This assessment consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, and the minimum passing score is 80%.
The system automatically grades your answers, providing instant feedback on your results. In the event that you do not pass, there is no need to worry. You have the freedom to retake the test multiple times at no additional cost.
Course content
Module 1: Introduction to Legionella and Legionnaires’ Disease
This module explains how legionella bacteria can grow in water systems and how Legionnaires’ disease can affect people who are exposed to the bacteria, particularly those who are at an increased risk. It also covers some COVID-19 considerations, as temporary business closures can allow water systems to stagnate and increase the risk of legionella developing.
- What is legionella and where does it come from?
- Which water systems are at risk of legionella?
- How do people contract Legionnaires’ disease?
- Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease
- Who is most at risk of legionella and Legionnaires’ disease?
- How is Legionnaires’ disease diagnosed and treated?
- Case study
- Legionella responsibilities during COVID-19
Module 2: Legal Responsibilities of Duty Holders
This module discusses the various pieces of legislation that relate to legionella control in workplaces, as well as the ACOP L8 guidance document. It will help duty holders understand how to comply with their responsibilities and minimise legionella risks in their water systems.
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
- Responsibilities of duty holders under the HSW Act
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
- Duties of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and installers under the HSW Act
- Employee responsibilities under the HSW Act and MHSWR
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
- The Approved Code of Practice L8
- The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations
- The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
Module 3: Legionella Risks in Man-Made Water Systems
This module explains how man-made water systems can pose legionella risks. It provides a comprehensive but not exhaustive list of water systems that may be at risk and why. It also discusses the importance of considering systems as a whole, including all their features.
- Evaporative cooling systems
- Hot and cold water systems
- Other risk systems
- Spa pools
- Assessing the risks
Module 4: Risk Assessment for Legionella
This module discusses how to carry out the five steps of a risk assessment for legionella. It explains what exactly a risk assessment entails and who is responsible for carrying it out, and provides some legionella-specific advice for each of the steps so you know what to consider for your water systems. It also discusses schematic diagrams and how they may be used.
- Who has duties to carry out risk assessments?
- Risk assessment requirements
- What is a risk assessment?
- Important phrases and terminology
- Competent person
- Step 1: Identify the hazards
- Step 2: Determine who might be harmed and how
- Step 3: Evaluate the risks and implement controls
- Step 4: Record your findings
- Step 5: Monitor, review, and update the assessment
Module 5: Controlling Legionella Risks
This module describes the control measures you may need to consider for your water systems, to ensure legionella bacteria growth is prevented. This includes correct installation, use
and operation, maintenance and inspection, and cleaning and disinfection. It also discusses the importance of record keeping and specific considerations for properties rented to tenants.
- The role of the competent person
- Maintaining staffing levels and knowledge
- Design and commissioning of water systems
- Key precautions
- Writen scheme for controlling legionella risks
- Operation of water systems
- Monitoring and inspection
- Cleaning and disinfecting water systems
- Record keeping
- Controlling water systems in domestic properties
- Training, instruction, and communication
Our Legionella Services
We offer the full spectrum of legionella services to ensure that your water systems are legally compliant, and that your properties are safe for customers, staff and the public.
- Legionella risk assessments
- Legionella testing & sampling
- Legionella monitoring
- Legionella control
