Showers create a fine spray of water droplets, and if those droplets contain Legionella bacteria they can be breathed in. That makes showers, shower heads and hoses a key part of any Legionella control programme. Safer Solutions provides shower head and hose cleaning and disinfection, together with Legionella risk assessments and sampling, for nursing homes, hotels and guesthouses, gyms and leisure centres, schools, workplaces and landlords across Ireland. Call 086 275 9728 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Why shower heads matter for Legionella
Shower heads and hoses are warm, damp and full of small surfaces where scale and biofilm can build up. Bacteria can then grow in those deposits. Showers that are used rarely, such as in spare rooms, closed wings or seasonal premises, are a particular concern because water sits still in the pipework and the fitting. Our Fire and Legionella guides explain more about how risk builds up in a building.
What we do
- Inspect shower heads, hoses and outlets and note scale, damage and condition
- Remove, descale and disinfect shower heads and hoses, or recommend replacement where they are worn or damaged
- Check the wider hot and cold water system as part of a Legionella risk assessment
- Take water samples where needed through our legionella testing service
- Give you a written record of the work for your Legionella log book
Which premises need shower head disinfection?
- Nursing homes and care settings
- Hotels, B&Bs, hostels and holiday lets
- Gyms, swimming pools, sports clubs and leisure centres
- Schools, colleges and student accommodation
- Factories, food premises and other workplaces with staff showers
- Rented homes and apartment buildings. See our guide on Legionella and rental properties.
Keeping showers safe between visits
Cleaning is one part of the picture. Good practice also includes regular use or flushing of outlets that are not used often, keeping records, and acting on your risk assessment. The main Irish references are the HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland and the HSA guidance on Legionnaires’ disease. Employers also have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
Frequently asked questions
How often should shower heads be cleaned and disinfected?
It depends on your building, how the showers are used and the findings of your risk assessment. We can recommend a schedule for your premises.
Is shower head disinfection the same as a Legionella risk assessment?
No. Disinfecting shower heads deals with one source of risk. A risk assessment reviews the whole water system and tells you what needs to be controlled and how often.
Do you cover Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway?
Yes. We are based in Co. Tipperary and work across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Get a free quote
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 risk assessment explained
10 Key Takeaways from a Legionella Risk Assessment
More on our fire safety and Legionella videos page and our YouTube channel.