Legionella Awareness
E-Learning
20–30 min
Legionella is a type of water-borne bacteria that can often be found in harmlessly low numbers in ponds, rivers and lakes. However the bacteria can rapidly multiply to harmful quantities if they find their way into purpose-built systems where water is maintained at a temperature high enough to encourage growth, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and spa pools used in both work and domestic premises.
Legionella training is a legal requirement for those with a level of responsibility for the prevention & control of legionella – there are over 40 different species of legionella bacteria. The HSE write in their L8 guidance about legionella that:
“Inadequate management, lack of training and poor communication are all contributory factors in outbreaks of legionnaires’ disease. It is therefore important that the people involved in assessing risk and applying precautions are competent, trained and aware of their responsibilities.”
More information about the legal requirements for legionella training can be found: here
Legionella Risk Assessment
Safesmart provides Legionella Risk Assessment and water testing services through our Legionella services partner – also the provider of the information in this Legionella Awareness training course.
Our partner is a member of the Water Management Society, a member of the BSRIA & Legionella Control Association, is Safe Contractor accredited, and also holds a WMSoc accredited qualification in Practical Legionella Risk Assessment. Read more here.
Our training refers to – and summarises information in the ‘HSE’s Approved Code of Practice L8 The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’ as well as relevant medical & scientific information.
Furthermore, our legionella training also makes reference to and summarises information from the following legislation:
- HSG274 Part 1: The control of legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems
- HSG274 Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems
- HSG 274 Part 3: The control of legionella bacteria in other risk systems
- Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
- The Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers 1992
- The Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
- Health & Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
Safesmart delivers Legionella Awareness training for your organisation through Smartlog – our comprehensive health & safety compliance software.
Course Content
Legionella, Legionellosis & Legionnaires’ Disease – Susceptibility, chain of infection, and symptoms.
Legislation – Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and more.
Legionella Risk Assessment – Conducting a legionella risk assessment; which is a legal requirement in order to comply with HSE AcoP L8.
Legionella Control – Temperature control, stagnation control, biocide treatments, cleaning and disinfection.
Legionella Record Keeping – The reasons for keeping a well-detailed record, and what to include in it.
This course contains test questions and issues a certificate upon completion.
