Schools
Legionella risk assessment for schools
Schools have a problem most buildings do not. Long holidays leave water sitting in the pipes for weeks. Then hundreds of people arrive on the same morning.
The risks we see in schools
- Weeks of stagnant water over the summer and other holidays.
- Sports showers used in bursts and then left.
- Little used outlets in science rooms and staff areas.
- TMVs where young children could be scalded.
- Older buildings with extensions and changes over the years.
Holiday shutdowns
Outlets should be flushed weekly during holidays wherever possible. A site manager can usually do this. Before term starts the system should be flushed through and temperatures checked.
If water has sat untouched for a long time the system may need disinfecting before pupils return. Plan it in so it does not clash with the first day of term.
Protecting young children
Where young children or pupils with additional needs use hot water a TMV is usually needed. Those valves need servicing every year. The pipework after each valve should be short.
Who is responsible
The duty holder depends on how the school is run. It may be the local authority or the academy trust. It may be the governing body. Whoever it is should appoint a responsible person on site.
Questions
Common questions
Do schools need to flush taps over the summer holiday?
Yes. Flush outlets weekly where you can. Flush the whole system and check temperatures before term starts.
Who is the duty holder in a school?
It depends on the type of school. It may be the local authority or the academy trust. It may be the governing body.
Do school showers need special controls?
Yes. Flush them weekly if they are not used and clean the heads every three months.
Find out what your building actually needs
Book a survey and we will give you a fixed quote. You will also get an honest view of what you can safely do in house.
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