APPENDIX A - RISK CONTROL AND PREVENTION OPTIONS

Risk system Legionella control requirements Possible control options Alternative systems presenting Residual problems Other factors
minimum risk from legionella

Evaporative cooling 1. Ongoing dosing with biocides 1. Air cooled condensers with
towers and 2. Effective drift eliminators liquid chiller and chilled
evaporative water cooling coil
3. Periodic inspections, cleaning and
condensers
disinfection of towers and condenser
water distribution
4. Monitoring of general water treatment
effectiveness
5. Periodic cleaning of conductivity sensor
2. Air cooled condensers with Refrigeration plant and cooling
6. Periodic checks on satisfactory operation direct expansion cooling coil coil have to be replaced
of bleed and automatic temperature
control
3. Dry cooling towers Larger footprint and less
efficient than evaporative
cooling towers

Spray humidifiers, 1. Periodic inspection, cleaning and Ultraviolet disinfection at 1. Steam humidifiers (in-duct Downstream ponding and Ideal where process steam is
Ultrasonic humidifiers disinfection point of use (in pond or closed only) corrosion if installed too close to already available. High
(in-duct) 2. Monitoring of water quality loop circuit) with backwash obstruction operating costs for electrode
Direct injection space filtration boilers.
3. Check for drop out down stream of
humidification 2. Mains fed non-storage Water may need treatment to Avoid direct injection onto
injection point
systems humidifiers (eg spinning disc, avoid scale formation and dust. occupants
compressed air atomisers)

Water softeners and 1. Periodic inspection, cleaning and 1. Electromagnetic devices (for Unpredictable performance
de-ionisers disinfection scale reduction only)
2. Monitoring of downstream water quality
2. Phospho-silicate dosing Limited applications
 APPENDIX A - RISK CONTROL AND PREVENTION OPTIONS
Risk system Legionella control requirements
Hot water services Temperature at outlets >50°C within 1
minute of flushing
Periodic internal inspections
Monitoring of water temperatures
Cleaning and disinfection depending on
condition (see Cold water services)
Good insulation on all hot surfaces
Cold water services 1. Good turnover of water
2. Periodic inspection, cleaning and
disinfection of tank and system through
to all outlets, cold and hot
3. Temperature at outlets <20°C within 2
minutes of flushing
4. Insulation and protection/isolation
from heat gain.
Showers 1. Regular flushing
2. Periodic disinfection of roses, heads and
hoses
3. Temperatures monitored with hot and
cold water services
Emergency showers Regular flushing and check operation of
thermostat. Periodic disinfection.
Possible control options Alternative systems presenting Residual problems Other factors
minimum risk from legionella
1. Monitoring of micro- 1. Instantaneous water heaters,
biological water quality. for example point of use
2. Periodic pasteurisation of water heaters or plate heat
calorifiers, distribution exchangers.
pipework and outlets
3 Periodic blow-down via
drain
4. Regular flushing of little-
used outlets e.g. weekly
5. Periodic checks on 2. Point-of-use low volume Integral cold feed tanks may reach >30°C. Heaters should run at 60°C
water heaters to kill bacteria which may multiply in tank, but provide “Very hot
operation of trace heating
water” labelling.
6. Dosing with residual
biocides (ClO2, Cu/Ag
ionisation etc.)
1. Monitoring of water Storage tanks feeding WC and Slight risk of exposure to aerosol Hand washing and cleaning not
temperatures urinal cisterns only, all taps fed during flushing of WCs and urinals possible during interruptions to
2. Monitoring of micro- directly from mains. supply
biological water quality
3. Regular flushing of little-
used outlets.
4. Dosing with residual
biocides (ClO2, Cu/Ag
ionisation, etc)
Review shower use - if Self-draining shower hoses are
negligible, remove. not recommended.
 APPENDIX A - RISK CONTROL AND PREVENTION OPTIONS
Risk system Legionella control requirements Possible control options Alternative systems presenting Residual problems Other factors
minimum risk from legionella

Eye wash sprays Regular flushing. Periodic disinfection. Provision of sterile distilled Require disinfection
water eye baths

Sprinkler and hose 1. Periodic check of internal condition of 1. Monitoring of micro-

reel systems tanks biological water quality
2. Periodic risk review of test procedure 2. Periodic cleaning and
disinfection of tanks

Lathe and machine Periodic cleaning and disinfection of storage Monitoring of micro-biological
tool cooling systems and distribution system water quality

Spa pools (including 1. Ongoing dosing with biocides Whirlpool baths (drained and Similar control requirements to
hot tubs) 2. Periodic checks of filters and water refilled for each user) showers
treatment
3. Periodic cleaning and disinfection
4. Monitoring of water treatment
effectiveness
Horticultural misting 1. Periodic cleaning and disinfection of 1. Low level chemical (eg System connected directly to Solar heating of water lying in
systems storage and distribution system. ClO2, Ag/Cu ionisation) mains pipes
2. Periodic flushing and/or UV treatment

Lawn sprinklers and 1. Flush through regularly when not in use

hoses during warm weather
 APPENDIX A - RISK CONTROL AND PREVENTION OPTIONS
Risk system Legionella control requirements Possible control options Alternative systems presenting Residual problems Other factors
minimum risk from legionella

Fountains and water 1. Periodic cleaning and disinfection 1. Ongoing water treatment Water features that employ Outdoor fountains may pose
features (indoor) 2. Ongoing monitoring of water quality (check effect on fish and capillary action generate similar problems and should be
plants, if applicable) minimal spray provided no assessed for legionella risk
strong wind

Vehicle wash drive 1. Flush through regularly when not in use 1. Hot water lances only -
through & high periodic microbiological
pressure lance monitoring

Nebulisers and Regular cleaning and disinfection

portable humidifiers