Best Practices in Legionella Control by SMS Environmental
Legionella, a type of bacteria that can cause serious respiratory illness, is often found in man-made water systems. Effective control of Legionella is crucial for maintaining public health and safety. SMS Environmental, a leader in environmental management services, has established best practices to mitigate the risks associated with Legionella and support buildings and facilities managers in achieving compliance and safe water systems.
Understanding Legionella
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as hot water systems, decorative fountains, cooling towers, and complex plumbing networks. When these systems are not properly maintained or are subject to stagnation, scale, or biofilm formation, the bacteria can proliferate and pose a risk of legionellosis, which includes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Mitigating this risk requires a systematic and documented approach to water safety management.
Core Best Practices for Legionella Control
SMS Environmental outlines several core best practices for Legionella control. These practices combine engineering, operational procedures, monitoring, and people-focused activities to reduce risk and maintain compliance with health and safety guidance.
Regular Risk Assessments
Conducting regular, thorough risk assessments is the first step to identifying potential sources of Legionella in water systems. A competent assessor will map the water system, identify vulnerable outlets (such as showers, spas, and aerosol-producing equipment), evaluate system design and usage patterns, and highlight control points. Risk assessments should be reviewed after system changes, incidents, or periodic intervals defined by site risk.
Water Temperature Management
Maintaining water at temperatures that inhibit Legionella growth is a vital control measure. As an industry standard, hot water should be stored and distributed at temperatures that prevent proliferation, while cold water should be kept sufficiently cool. Regular temperature checks at sentinel points and outlets help ensure the system remains within safe ranges and that thermostatic mixing valves are functioning correctly.
Routine Maintenance and Flushing
Routine maintenance reduces stagnation, scale, and biofilm—conditions that support Legionella. SMS recommends scheduled flushing of unused or low-use outlets, cleaning and disinfection protocols for showers and tanks, and descaling where necessary. Weekly flushing of unused outlets and targeted interventions for low-use areas are typical components of a robust maintenance plan.
System Design and Engineering Controls
Good system design minimizes dead legs and stagnation zones, facilitates adequate flow and turnover, and allows effective isolation and treatment of components such as storage tanks and calorifiers. Where practical, SMS advocates system modifications that reduce risk, such as flow-promoting changes, return loops for hot water, and appropriate materials to limit biofilm formation.
Monitoring, Sampling, and Laboratory Testing
Regular monitoring and sampling are essential to verify that control measures are effective. SMS Environmental supports sites with sampling programs aligned to risk and regulatory expectations, using accredited laboratories for Legionella culture and other water quality indicators. Results inform corrective actions and help build a documented history of system performance.
Training, Competence, and Documentation
Effective Legionella control depends on competent personnel. SMS provides tailored training for estates staff and facilities managers on safe operating procedures, emergency responses, and record-keeping. Comprehensive documentation—risk assessments, monitoring logs, maintenance records, and corrective action reports—is vital for legal compliance and continuous improvement.
Emergency Response and Corrective Actions
Where tests indicate elevated risk or an incident occurs, a fast, documented response is essential. SMS Environmental develops site-specific response plans that include immediate temporary controls, disinfection strategies, communication protocols, and follow-up verification testing.
Tailored Service Packages and Digital Compliance
SMS Environmental builds bespoke service packages through personal consultations, ensuring each client’s water hygiene strategy matches their operational needs and risk profile. The company also uses advanced tools like the Opuz compliance maintenance software to centralise records, schedule tasks, and provide real-time oversight, helping clients stay audit-ready.
A People-First Approach
Recognised as a Most Loved Workplace®, SMS Environmental combines technical excellence with a positive corporate culture. Their approach prioritises clear communication, responsive customer service, and long-term partnerships with clients to protect public health and maintain safe water systems.
Implementing these best practices helps reduce Legionella risk, protect building occupants, and demonstrate duty-of-care for buildings and facilities managers.