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Schools, colleges and universities

The nature of the academic year - and hence the usage of educational facilities - creates specific Legionella infection opportunities and so requires its own approach to control.

Students at schools, colleges and universities are typically healthy and hence resilient to Legionnaires' disease. The same cannot be said of older members of staff and the increasing number of adults using educational facilities as part of life-long learning or for sports. Similarly, students at schools/establishments for children with severe physical disabilities, can be at risk if their immune system has been compromised as part of their treatment.

Water systems at schools, colleges and universities can remain unused for long periods of time (school holidays), allowing Legionella bacteria to thrive, particularly in showers. Many school buildings, both public and private, are old with water systems that have been adapted and extended over time, creating long pipe runs, dead legs and similar reservoirs for Legionella bacteria to exploit.

Helping schools. colleges and universities comply with the Commission's Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 for the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems is AquaCare Water Hygiene Services’ primary objective.

Note: AquaCare Water Hygiene has CRB-vetted water hygiene technicians available if required.

Useful documents
HSE Guide: Legionnaire's disease - Essential information for providers of residential accommodation - HERE
Teachernet: BB87: Guidelines for Environmental
Design in Schools
[See: Section 5: Hot and cold water supplies] - HERE

 

Are you responsible for health and safety in your school, college or university? Responsibilities are often aligned along local government lines; for example:

• In community schools, community special schools and voluntary controlled schools, statutory health and safety responsibilities typically fall on the local education authority (LEA) and on the head teacher and other school staff (as employees)
• In foundation schools, foundation special schools and voluntary aided schools, statutory health and safety responsibilities typically fall on the governing body and on the head teacher and staff (as employees).