Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
The risk of legionella increases if your business premises has been temporarily closed or has not been occupied for some time. Water lying in pipes and other water systems may have allowed Legionella bugs to grow.
When reopening, there is a risk that this contaminated water will become an aerosol, especially from shower heads, taps, and also more specialist equipment such as hot tubs, cooling towers or other facilities.
If water systems have been unused for an extended period, they need to be maintained and brought back to full use according to best practice guidance, and Health & Safety Executive advice. It is important to demonstrate that you are achieving effective control of water quality, to avoid the very real risk of problems such as Legionella, other micro-organisms or algae growth.
The Health and Safety Executive website has lots of information on what you need to do to prevent these problems.
We recommend that you review your existing risk assessment and follow guidance on measures including water inspection, cleaning, monitoring and recording.
Hot and cold water systems and cooling towers
This checklist applies to all hot and cold water systems and cooling towers: Control of legionella bacteria in water systems - audit checklists.
Managing a pool during closure
If you have a swimming pool or spa pool the options are to reduce or stop water circulation. See Guidance on temporary pool closure.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Food and Safety Team at foodandsafety@lbhf.gov.uk