Update for training centres and plumbing & heating engineers on the Legionella risk as businesses re-open

Plumbing and Heating Engineers

During the COVID-19 pandemic businesses, schools and colleges have been closed, and during this time there is a possibility that water services have been left at a standstill and stagnant. This can bring issues when looking to start up again with the increased risk of Legionella.

Well maintained water systems that have a high throughput, relatively low volume and which consistently achieve sufficient water temperatures are less likely to reach dangerous conditions; however, these conditions may not have been achieved during this pandemic where businesses and premises have been closed. Legionella bacteria can survive and multiply in hot and cold water system pipework, calorifiers/cylinders and cold-water storage cisterns. The bacteria is dispersed in small water droplets known as aerosols created when water impacts a hard surface, such as those created by taps and showers

Some businesses may not be aware of the potential risks and, as a plumbing and heating engineer, you could be in a position to explain them. You could carry out a risk assessment of the system/s where necessary to identify and assess potential sources of bacteria growth and exposure. This can then be followed by a course of action to prevent or control the risks identified.

If you are a plumbing and heating engineer interested in undertaking the BPEC Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment and Disinfection course, please take a look here for further information. You can find your nearest BPEC centre here.

Training Centres

Any new training centres or current BPEC centres looking to extend their scope to offer the BPEC Legionella Cold Water Risk Assessment and Disinfection course can contact services@bpec.org.uk for further information. Approval for this can be undertaken remotely.