Water Safety Policy

7.1 Communal blocks and other properties - We will ensure all communal blocks and other properties (supported schemes/offices/shops/depots) that we own or manage are subject to an initial visit to establish whether a legionella risk assessment (LRA) is required. Thereafter, if an LRA is required, the property will be included on the LRA programme. If an LRA is not required, we will record this on our core asset register C365.

7.2 For all properties on the LRA programme, we will undertake LRAs and review the LRA every year for a high risk, three years for medium risk and five years for low risk, or more frequently where a water system is likely to undergo change and is therefore a higher risk.

7.3 LRAs will also be reviewed in the following circumstances:

• Change in building use.
• Change in internal layout of water system.
• Change in building occupation that increases the risk due to health.
• After a confirmed or suspected outbreak of Legionella.
• Following a water safety audit (if required).
• A change in management structure.

7.4 Domestic properties - We will undertake an annual programme of five per cent sample surveys in domestic properties. These will be prioritised according to the perceived level of risk (based on design, size, age, and type of water supply).

7.5 Testing and monitoring - We will undertake testing and monitoring (for example, monthly temperature checks) as set out within any written schemes of control.

Control measures

7.6 The control measures required for each property or property type will be determined by the risk assessment for that particular property only and will be implemented under the control of the Responsible Person.

7.7 A written scheme for controlling measures will be prepared by Gateshead Council and implemented and managed by the Responsible Person.

7.8 The control regime will include as appropriate: 

• Good design - for avoidance of water stagnation and low flow. Also, avoiding use of materials in the water system that may harbour and encourage growth of bacteria or other nutrients.
• Temperature control - monitoring, inspection, and flushing.
• Correct and safe operation of equipment and plant - including maintenance requirements and frequencies.
• Testing of water quality - as required.

7.9 To ensure the control measures implemented remain effective, the condition and performance of the system will be monitored; the frequency and extent of the routine monitoring will depend upon the operating characteristics of the system identified by the risk assessment.

7.10 As a minimum, or in the absence of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, the control measures and inspection programmes as given in table 2.1. of HSG 274 Part 2 The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems will apply.

7.11 When Legionella sampling is undertaken the samples are to be analysed at a laboratory accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in accordance with the Approved Code of Practice L8. The samples are to be taken in accordance with BS 7592:2022 Sampling for Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems. The actions required for any positive water analysis results is described in the Legionella Risk Assessment and supporting operating procedures.

Action to be taken on suspicion of an incident or outbreak

7.12 An outbreak is defined as two or more cases where the onset of illness is closely linked in time and location, where there is suspicion of, or evidence of, a common source of infection, with or without microbiological support.

7.13 The nominated Responsible Person(s) will inform the Environmental Health Officer/Health and Safety Executive and ask for their immediate advice and assistance. It is normal for them to send in a team to investigate and rectify the problem. It is important for them to be able to trace where the disease has come from.

7.14 The Responsible Person will ensure that any systems are safely isolated until a course of action has been agreed making sure that the system is not drained or disinfected before samples have been taken.