Legionella testing is how you find out whether Legionella bacteria are present in your hot and cold water systems. Safer Solutions carries out legionella testing and sampling for nursing homes, hotels and guesthouses, schools, offices, food premises and landlords across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Call 086 275 9728 for a free, no-obligation quote.
What is legionella testing?
Our technicians take water samples from carefully chosen points in your system, such as taps, showers, tanks and calorifiers. Samples are sent to an independent accredited laboratory for analysis, and you receive a clear written report with plain-English explanations and recommended actions. Sampling does not replace a risk assessment. It is one part of a wider Legionella control programme that also includes temperature monitoring, flushing and record keeping.
Who needs legionella testing?
Anyone responsible for a building with a water system should understand the risk. Testing is especially valuable for:
- Nursing homes, care settings and hospitals, where residents are more vulnerable
- Hotels, guesthouses, gyms, spas and leisure facilities with showers
- Schools, colleges and public buildings, including premises that are empty for long periods
- Offices, hybrid workplaces and landlords with rented properties
- Food and drink premises and industrial sites
How legionella testing works
- Review: we look at your water system, previous records and any past risk assessment.
- Sampling plan: we choose representative sampling points. See our guide on which taps get sampled.
- Site visit: our technician takes the samples using correct procedures and records temperatures on site.
- Laboratory analysis: samples go to an accredited laboratory. Results are not instant, and we tell you when to expect yours.
- Report and actions: we explain the results and what to do next. If a sample is positive, read our guide: what to do after a positive Legionella sample.
Testing and risk assessment go together
A legionella risk assessment reviews your whole water system and identifies the conditions that allow bacteria to grow. Sampling then checks whether those controls are working. The main Irish references are the HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland and the HSA guidance on Legionnaires’ disease, and employers also have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. See our Legionella risk assessment service for more.
Frequently asked questions
How often should legionella testing be done?
It depends on your building, how the water system is used and the findings of your risk assessment. We can advise on a sensible schedule for your premises. See our guide on how often legionella sampling is needed in Ireland.
Do you use an accredited laboratory?
Yes. All samples are analysed by independent accredited laboratories.
Do you also carry out water tank cleaning?
Yes. We clean and disinfect cold water storage tanks. See water tank cleaning and disinfection.
Which areas do you cover?
We are based in Co. Tipperary and work across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Get a free quote
Tell us about your building and we will recommend the right testing for it. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or send us a message. We are open 9am to 5.30pm. This page is general information and not legal advice.
Watch: Legionella videos
10 Key Takeaways from a Legionella Risk Assessment
Bacteria Battle: The Need for TVC Water Sampling in Offices and Schools
More on our fire safety and Legionella videos page and our YouTube channel.