Gyms, sports clubs and leisure centres are busy, public buildings with lots of showers, lots of people and, often, long quiet periods when parts of the building are barely used. That mix creates two risks worth managing carefully: Legionella in the water system and fire in a space that may be crowded, noisy and full of equipment. This guide covers the basics for owners and managers of standard premises.
Why gyms and leisure premises are different
Most offices use their water evenly. A gym does not. Showers and changing rooms can be flat out at peak times and sit unused for days at a time, for example in a seasonal club, a closed studio or a rarely used guest changing room. Water that sits still can warm up and stagnate, which is the kind of condition in which Legionella bacteria can grow. Showers also create a fine spray that people can breathe in, which is why they are treated as a priority outlet in a Legionella risk assessment.
Legionella: showers and changing rooms
- Shower heads and hoses. Scale and biofilm build up on shower heads and hoses. Your risk assessment should say how often they are cleaned and descaled, or replaced if worn. See our shower head disinfection service and our guide to biofilm and why it matters.
- Little-used outlets. Showers and taps in rarely used areas should be flushed regularly and the flushing recorded. Our guide to flushing little-used taps and showers explains how.
- Mixing valves and temperatures. Thermostatic mixing valves protect users from scalding, but they can also create warm water close to the outlet. They should be part of the assessment and the routine checks. Read more about hot water temperatures and energy saving before changing any settings.
- Sampling. Where the risk assessment recommends it, water samples are taken from representative outlets. See which outlets get sampled and our Legionella testing page.
- Saunas, steam rooms, spa pools and whirlpools. These are more specialised features and need their own assessment. They are outside the standard systems this guide covers, so get specific advice before assuming they are included.
Irish guidance on controlling Legionella is set out in the HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland and the HSA information on Legionnaires’ disease. Employers and those in control of premises also have duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. A written plan helps, and our guide to the written scheme of control explains what it should include.
Fire: busy, public and often loud
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (section 18(2)), the person in control of a premises must take reasonable measures to guard against outbreak of fire and to ensure the safety of people. In a gym or leisure centre, a fire risk assessment will usually look closely at the following:
- Escape routes and exit doors. Exits must be usable whenever people are in the building, including during classes and out-of-hours access. Equipment, storage and mats must never block them. See our guide to fire exit doors, locks and keypads.
- Hearing the alarm. Loud music, headphones and studio doors can mean people do not hear the alarm. Check that sounders can be heard in every room, and test and record them as set out in our fire alarm testing and servicing guide.
- Changing rooms and wet areas. People who are undressed or wet still need a clear way out. Staff should know how to help people who may need extra assistance.
- Numbers. Know how many people each studio, hall and the whole building can safely hold, and keep within that during classes and events.
- Electrical equipment. Cardio machines, chargers, saunas, hairdryers and laundry equipment all add to the fire load. Keep them maintained and keep vents and cables clear.
- Unstaffed and out-of-hours use. Many gyms now open without staff on site. Plan for who raises the alarm and how lone users are protected: see lone workers and out-of-hours fire safety.
- Assembly point and drills. Choose a safe place to gather, tell members and staff where it is, and practise. See fire assembly points and how to run an evacuation drill.
- Extinguishers. Choose the right type for each area and have them serviced on schedule. See what happens at an annual service.
A simple routine to start with
- Flush little-used showers and taps weekly and write it down.
- Look at shower heads and hoses for scale, damage and slime, and clean or replace as your assessment says.
- Walk every escape route before opening and check exit doors open freely.
- Test the fire alarm on the schedule you have set and record the result.
- Review both risk assessments when the building, use or equipment changes.
When to get help
If you do not have a current fire risk assessment or Legionella risk assessment, or you are not sure they cover your showers, studios and changing rooms, we can help. Safer Solutions carries out fire risk assessments and Legionella risk assessments and sampling for standard water systems across Ireland, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Tell us about your premises through our contact page or call 086 275 9728 for a free written quote.
This guide is general information and is not legal advice. Your duties depend on the use and layout of your premises.