Legionella

This page contains details on how departments must manage the water supply to control the risks from exposure to legionella bacteria to students, staff & visitors.

Download Legionella Management & Control Standard pdf

Non-Estates managed water systems include*:

• Ultrasonic humidifiers/foggers
• Water misting systems used for humidifying
• Spray humidifiers
• Air washers, wet scrubbers, particle and trivial gas scrubbers
• Water softeners
• Emergency showers, eyebaths and face-wash fountains
• Horticultural misting systems
• Powered dental equipment
• Respiratory therapy nebulisers - non-disposable
• Fountains and water features Industrial process water systems
• Research equipment with a water system
• Irrigation systems
• Fire, dust, odour suppression systems

Many of these systems operate water temperatures that fall within the recognised temperature range for legionella bacteria growth or are prone to thermal gain during operation.
All have the capacity to generate water droplets (aerosols) during operation and some, like powered dental equipment and respiratory therapy nebulisers, may dispense them directly into an individual’s breathing zone.

The responsibilities of the Appointed Person (Legionella) can be found on our List of Roles and Responsibilities

*This is not an exhaustive list of non-Estates managed water systems and/or equipment that may produce aerosols, thus posing a foreseeable risk of exposure to legionella.