When a building closes, the water in its pipes stops moving. Standing water warms up, and legionella grows best between 20°C and 45°C. Before a closed hotel wing, school, office or holiday let is used again, the water system needs to be made safe. This checklist sets out the steps.
Before you close
- Decide whether someone will keep flushing outlets during the closure, typically weekly. If so, write down who and when.
- If nobody will be on site, plan for a fuller recommissioning before reopening.
- Note any outlets, rooms or wings that will be out of use the longest.
Reopening checklist
- Check the storage tank. Look for debris, sediment and a secure lid. Clean and disinfect it if it needs it.
- Bring the hot water up to temperature. Legionella is killed within minutes above 60°C, so make sure stored hot water has reached temperature before use.
- Flush every outlet. Run each tap and shower, hot and cold, long enough to replace the standing water. Avoid creating spray while you do it.
- Clean shower heads and hoses. Descale and disinfect them, or replace them.
- Record temperatures. Check hot and cold at outlets nearest to and furthest from the tank and heater.
- Consider disinfection and sampling. After a long closure, or where vulnerable people use the building, disinfect the system and sample before reopening.
- Write it down. Record what was done, when and by whom.
Do not forget the less obvious systems
Spa pools, water features, cooling towers, vehicle washes and irrigation systems all create spray. Each needs its own restart procedure.
Review your risk assessment
A long closure is a change in how the building is used. Review the legionella risk assessment before reopening, and update it if anything has changed.
Need a hand?
Safer Solutions carries out flushing, tank cleaning and disinfection, legionella sampling and risk assessment reviews for buildings reopening anywhere in Ireland. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.