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by the Legionella risk assessment. Healthcare premises HTM0401 describes an even more frequent flushing frequency, depending on the circumstances. It is essential to note that once a flushing regime has been implemented, it is sustained and accurate water safety records of flushing are maintained.
4. Where new buildings, extensions, or refurbishments are planned, there is a risk the new building, extension, or refurbished area may be left empty between the time the contractors have moved out and the users of the building have moved in. During this period, the area could become one large dead end. It is essential to have a robust flushing regime and microbiological sampling regime in place until the building is returned to normal occupancy and use. Typically, the FM service provider or Estates team is the incumbent interim party responsible for ensuring that the flushing regime is carried out. This period, where the building space may be unoccupied after project completion, should be managed in line with the protocol agreed upon by the Project Water Safety Group.
5. Where new builds or extensions are planned, it is essential to involve the Water Safety Group and the estate’s operational teams at the earliest stage of design to ensure the proposed water distribution system and any associated primary heating sources are going to be fit for purpose including the minimisation of the risk of dead legs and blind ends. The creation and implementation of a Project Water Safety Group (which feeds into the main WSG) is vital to ensure that all aspects of water safety are considered, risk assessed, reviewed, ratified and agreed upon before any project works are undertaken. Project governance is key.
BS8580-1: 2019 Section 10.1 gives guidance as to when a risk assessment needs to be reviewed. The original risk assessment should be formally reassessed when
there are significant changes to ensure that it remains valid, for example, when there are: a) changes to the water system or its use; b) changes to the use of the building or part of the building in which the system is installed;
c) changes to the availability of information about risks or control measures;
d) indications that control measures are no longer effective; e) any of the factors in Clause 4; f) new construction works or system modifications planned; or g) changes to the key personnel, contractors and service providers.
Where a reassessment has not been triggered by the above, a policy of planned reassessment should be implemented.
2. In existing buildings where the use of a room containing a water outlet is changed, requiring no water outlet, a reporting system must be in place to alert the relevant department, e.g. estates department to ensure all pipework to the outlet is removed, ensuring that any “T”s are removed, back to the distribution loop. In Healthcare facilities, the Water Safety Group (WSG) should monitor this regularly.
3. If the outlet is to be retained and is low use, then an appropriate Legionella flushing regime should be put in place. HSG 274 Part 2, table 2.1 sets out guidance on the management of little-used outlets with a weekly flushing regime or as indicated
6. In design, there needs to be certainty that on completion of the pipework, the water outlets, particularly stand-alone water coolers, dishwashers, washing machines and specialised equipment requiring a water supply, are going to be fitted and used. If there is doubt regarding the equipment, consideration should be given to excluding the water service supply from the main contract and, if required, installing the water supply post-contract.
7. It is essential that the water commissioning records for any new building, extension or refurbishment are comprehensive and show the flow rates and temperature profiles for all outlets, water storage tanks and hot water generators. As fitted drawings, water system schematics, flushing records for when the building was unoccupied, commissioning data (including disinfection certificates), and Legionella risk assessments must all be available at the building handover from the main contractor.
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