Manage Legionella Risks Within Your Organization
A safe water system cannot be taken for granted. Stagnant water, insufficient flow, undesirable temperatures, and rarely used faucets can create conditions in which Legionella can grow.
With a Legionella risk analysis, Normec systematically identifies the potential risks within your drinking water system. Based on this, we develop a practical management plan. This way, you’ll know what measures are needed, who is responsible for what, and how you can structurally ensure water safety.
What is a Legionella risk analysis?
A Legionella risk assessment is a technical and practical evaluation of the drinking water system. During the assessment, our specialists examine how the system is constructed, how it is used, and where Legionella growth might occur.
In doing so, we examine, among other things:
- water treatment systems;
- the cold-water system and distribution;
- hot water production and distribution;
- all faucets;
- the frequency of use of faucets and system components;
The findings are documented in a clear and concise report. You will also receive specific recommendations to reduce or eliminate any identified risks.
From Risk Analysis to Legionella Control Plan
If the risk analysis indicates that control measures are necessary, these are detailed in a Legionella control plan. The control plan serves as a practical guide for the safe management of the water system.
It includes, among other things:
- which one-time measures are required;
- which periodic inspections must be performed;
- which faucets must be flushed regularly;
- where and when temperature checks are performed;
- which locations are relevant for sampling;
- how work and results are recorded;
- who is responsible within the organization;
- what to do in the event of deviations or exceedances.
By clearly documenting these agreements, Legionella prevention becomes part of daily management, and you prevent important checks or measures from being overlooked.
Is a Legionella risk assessment mandatory?
Whether a Legionella risk assessment and management plan are required depends on the country, the type of facility, the water system, and how it is used. Additional requirements often apply to facilities where large numbers of people or vulnerable individuals may be exposed to water mist. These include:
- hospitals, healthcare facilities, and residential facilities for vulnerable individuals;
- hotels, campgrounds, and other lodging facilities;
- swimming pools, saunas, wellness centers, sports facilities, and other locations with showers;
- open cooling towers and systems where water mist can be generated;
- air conditioning systems with humidification and similar aerosol-generating installations.
The specific requirements, threshold values, and management measures vary by country and sometimes by region. The vulnerability of the users and the nature of the facility also determine the necessary approach.
Even if a facility is not subject to specific Legionella regulations, Legionella prevention may still be necessary for occupational safety, duty of care, or business continuity. This applies, for example, to workplaces with showers, complex piping systems, or facilities that have been out of service for an extended period.
Not sure which requirements apply to your location? Our specialists will help you assess the situation and determine the necessary approach.
Legionella Prevention in Food and Manufacturing Environments
Within manufacturing facilities, water systems can be extensive and complex. Think of staff rooms, locker rooms, showers, restrooms, cleaning stations, and faucets that are used only occasionally.
Food and production environments often have significant cooling requirements. In open cooling towers, heated cooling water is cooled through contact with the ambient air. This can lead to aerosol formation, which increases the risk of Legionella spreading into the surrounding environment.
Changes in production, seasonal shutdowns, vacant building sections, or modifications to piping can also increase the risk. That is why we look not only at the technical installation but also at its actual use.
Normec helps you identify potential risks in a timely manner and integrate Legionella management into your organization’s existing processes in a practical way.
Our Approach
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1.
Intake and Scope Definition
We discuss the location, the water system, the building’s use, and any legal obligations. This allows us to determine which systems and components are included in the assessment.
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2.
On-site inspection
A specialist assesses the system from the supply point to the end point and identifies potential risks. Available system drawings, previous reports, and existing control measures are taken into account.
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3.
Risk Assessment
We assess where Legionella growth can occur and what technical or organizational measures are needed to mitigate these risks.
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4.
Report and Management Plan
You will receive a clear and practical management plan with a detailed description of the system, a targeted risk analysis, and the associated monitoring, preventive, and corrective measures, in accordance with applicable guidelines.
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5.
Implementation and Follow-Up
Even after the risk analysis, we can support you with sampling, laboratory analysis, periodic monitoring, and advice in the event of deviations.
One Partner for Water Safety
Normec combines expertise in water systems with professional sampling, laboratory testing, and practical advice. This allows us to support you throughout the entire process: from the initial assessment to the implementation and assurance of control measures.
You’ll benefit from:
- specialized knowledge of Legionella prevention;
- professional sampling and laboratory analysis in accordance with applicable quality and accreditation requirements;
- clear and practical reports;
- professional sampling and laboratory analysis;
- support with implementation and ongoing management;
- a single point of contact for analysis, advice, and follow-up.
Peace of mind regarding your water system
Would you like to know what Legionella risks exist within your organization? Or do you need a new or updated risk analysis and a management plan?
Our specialists will assess your situation and advise you on an appropriate approach.
Frequently Asked Questions: Legionella Risk Assessment and Control Plan
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The risk analysis identifies where and under what conditions Legionella can grow within the water system. The management plan then describes the measures, controls, and responsibilities needed to manage these risks.
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The requirements for the party conducting the assessment vary by country and type of location. It is important that the risk assessment be conducted by a qualified party capable of technically evaluating the system and translating applicable laws and regulations into a practical management plan. Normec tailors its approach to the specific location and applicable requirements.
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The same legal requirement does not apply in all situations. This depends on the country, the building’s function, the systems in place, and potential exposure to water mist. Even without an explicit requirement, a risk assessment may be advisable for occupational safety, duty of care, or business continuity reasons.
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A risk analysis and management plan must be reviewed in accordance with the timeframe applicable to the location. An interim evaluation is essential in any case following changes to the water system, a change in the building’s use, a renovation, a prolonged shutdown, or a confirmed contamination.
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Yes. Normec provides support for professional sampling, laboratory analysis, and the evaluation and follow-up of the results. Sampling is performed by certified and trained samplers, and analysis is conducted in accordance with applicable quality and accreditation requirements. This can be done on a one-time basis or as part of periodic monitoring.
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The necessary actions depend on the location, the type of system, the test results, previous measurements, and applicable regulations. Normec assesses the situation and advises on appropriate next steps. These may include additional sampling, flushing procedures, technical modifications, disinfection, or updating the management plan. Where necessary, specialized partners may be brought in for technical reviews and corrective actions.
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