Legionella Risk Assessment for Schools & Academies

For Head Teachers, Bursars, Facilities Managers, and responsible persons within schools and academies, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors from Legionella bacteria is a paramount safeguarding responsibility. Educational establishments present unique challenges, with extensive water systems, varying usage patterns across term times, and the heightened vulnerability of younger populations requiring diligent management.

Water & Air Management specialises in providing comprehensive, ACoP L8 compliant Legionella risk assessments for schools and academies. Our accredited and experienced team understands the specific pressures of the education sector, providing thorough, reliable, and fully documented services to ensure your premises remain compliant, your school community is protected, and your safeguarding duties are met without disruption to learning.

Understanding Legionella Risks in Educational Settings

School water systems often feature specific risk factors that need careful management:

– Extensive Water Systems: Large campuses with multiple buildings, sports facilities, and various water outlets (showers, kitchens, science labs) can create numerous potential risk points.
– Intermittent Use: Water outlets in school holidays, disused areas, or specific facilities (e.g., changing rooms only used for sports) can lead to stagnation, increasing risk.
– Vulnerable Occupants: While generally healthy, younger children or staff with underlying health conditions can be more susceptible to respiratory infections.
– Temperature Control: Maintaining correct hot and cold water temperatures across a large, often older, system can be a challenge.

Your Legal Compliance in Schools & Academies

Under UK law, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, the governing body, Head Teacher, or designated responsible person in a school or academy has a clear legal duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 provides the essential guidance for fulfilling this duty. Failure to carry out a suitable and sufficient Legionella risk assessment and implement effective control measures can result in significant legal consequences and severe reputational damage, impacting parental trust and the school’s standing. Our assessments provide the detailed evidence required for due diligence and robust safeguarding.

Our School Legionella Risk Assessment Process

Our qualified assessors are experienced in working discreetly and efficiently within educational environments. Our comprehensive process includes:

– Detailed System Survey: Thorough identification and mapping of all hot and cold water services, storage tanks, calorifiers, and specific outlets (e.g., washrooms, showers, kitchen facilities, science labs) across your school premises.
– Hazard Identification & Specific Risk Analysis: Pinpointing school-specific risks, such as water stagnation during school holidays, intermittent use of sports facilities, and managing large boiler systems.
– Safeguarding Focus: Considering the specific vulnerabilities and usage patterns within a school environment.
– Robust Reporting & Action Plans: A clear, jargon-free report detailing all findings, the assessed level of risk, and a prioritised action plan of practical control measures tailored to your school or academy.
– Ongoing Support: We provide a comprehensive report and help establish a logbook system for effective, auditable ongoing management and compliance.

Why Choose Water & Air Management for Your School or Academy?

– Education Sector Expertise: Our team has extensive experience conducting assessments in schools, colleges, and academies, understanding the specific operational and safeguarding demands.
– Fully Accredited Professionals: We are registered members of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) and hold Constructionline and SSIP accreditations, ensuring competent, professional, and trustworthy service delivery.
– Minimal Disruption to Learning: We conduct our assessments efficiently, working flexibly around term times and school hours to minimise disruption to students and staff.
– Strategic & Transparent Pricing: Clear, no-obligation quotes tailored to the size and complexity of your educational facility, with no hidden costs, helping Bursars manage budgets effectively.

Protect Your School Community and Meet Your Duties

Ensure your school or academy is fully compliant and your students and staff are protected from Legionella risk. Contact our expert team today for a free, no-obligation quote for a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment tailored to your educational premises.

Schools / Academies / Colleges