New pipes, new tanks and new fittings do not guarantee a problem-free water system. Water can sit in new pipework for weeks while building work is finished, and that is exactly what legionella bacteria like.
Why new systems still need attention
- Construction can take months, with water standing in pipes and tanks.
- Systems may be filled and tested long before anyone uses them.
- Outlets may be installed but not used until opening day.
- Temperatures can drift outside safe ranges.
- Changes made during the build may not match the original design.
Good practice before opening
- Plan from the start. Include water hygiene in the project from design stage, not just at handover.
- Commission properly. Follow the installer’s commissioning procedures and keep the paperwork.
- Keep water moving. Where a system is filled early, flush outlets regularly until the building is occupied.
- Check temperatures. Hot and cold water should reach and hold suitable temperatures once the system is running.
- Avoid dead legs. Check that no unused pipe sections are left behind. Our guide on dead legs and little-used outlets covers this in detail.
- Get a legionella risk assessment done before or as the building opens, so you have a written plan and a baseline.
- Document everything. Keep commissioning records, as-fitted drawings and your logbook together. See our guide on the legionella logbook.
- Set a routine. Decide who flushes, who checks temperatures and who reviews the risk assessment.
The legal background
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must manage risks to health, which includes risks from water systems. The HPSC national guidelines give practical guidance on legionella control.
Talk to Safer Solutions
We can carry out a legionella risk assessment for your new or refurbished building, with clear recommendations you can act on. Call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie to discuss it. You can also read how reopening a building is managed.