Legionella risk assessment for care homes

Why care homes need more

Older people and those who are unwell are far more likely to become seriously ill if they catch Legionnaires' disease. That raises the standard of control your scheme needs. HSE expects a thorough assessment and close monitoring.

The risks we see in care homes

• TMVs on most outlets to prevent scalding.
• Assisted baths and showers used at different times.
• Rooms left empty between residents.
• Large hot water systems that run around the clock.
• Changes to rooms and bathrooms that leave dead legs.

Scalding and legionella together

Hot water must be hot enough to control legionella. At the outlet it must be safe enough not to scald. TMVs solve that problem but they need regular servicing and fail safe testing. The water after each valve sits warm so pipe runs must be short.

Many care homes follow the higher temperature targets set for healthcare buildings. Your risk assessment will set the right targets for your home.