Nursing homes need a legionella risk assessment that is reviewed at least once a year, backed by water sampling at least twice a year. That is the standard set out in Ireland’s national guidelines for healthcare settings. Here is what it means in practice.
Why nursing homes are higher risk
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caught by breathing in fine droplets of contaminated water. Older people and anyone with a weakened immune system are more likely to become seriously ill. Nursing homes also have the water systems that suit the bacteria: stored hot water, long pipe runs, showers in every room and bedrooms that can sit empty between residents.
What the national guidelines say
The National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland, 2009, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, recommend that:
- the legionella risk assessment is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if the system changes or a control fails
- routine water sampling is carried out at least twice a year in healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and long-stay care facilities
Employers also have a general duty to assess and control risks to health under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
What the risk assessment covers
- Cold water storage tanks: condition, lids, insulation and temperature
- Water heaters and hot water storage temperatures
- Temperatures at outlets nearest to and furthest from the heater
- Showers, spray taps and any other outlet that creates fine droplets
- Unoccupied rooms and little-used outlets where water stands still
- Dead legs and redundant pipework
- Who is responsible for each check, and how it is recorded
The checks your team carries out between assessments
A risk assessment only works if the controls in it are kept up. For most homes that means regular temperature checks, flushing outlets in empty rooms, cleaning and descaling shower heads, and inspecting the storage tank. Each check should be written down with the date, the result and the person who did it.
Keep your records ready
Nursing homes are inspected by HIQA, and an inspector can ask how risks like this are managed. A current risk assessment, sampling results and a log of routine checks show that the risk is under control.
How Safer Solutions helps
We carry out legionella risk assessments and sampling for nursing homes across Ireland, with samples analysed by an independent accredited laboratory. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.