Legionella Risk Assessment and Water System Checks Audit - Care Homes

Q1 | Unanswered

Is there a current and comprehensive Legionella risk assessment carried out by a competent person or external contractor?

Q2 | Unanswered

Is the risk assessment reviewed annually or when significant changes to the water system occur (e.g., plumbing work, occupancy changes)?

Q3 | Unanswered

Is there a named person responsible for Legionella risk management within the service?

Q4 | Unanswered

Are written control measures in place, including temperature monitoring, flushing, and descaling schedules?

Q5 | Unanswered

Are hot water temperatures regularly checked and recorded at sentinel outlets (e.g., taps and showers)?

Q6 | Unanswered

Is the hot water consistently stored above 60°C and distributed at a minimum of 50°C at outlets?

Q7 | Unanswered

Are cold water temperatures monitored to ensure they remain below 20°C within two minutes of flow?

Q8 | Unanswered

Are infrequently used outlets (e.g., en suite sinks, showers in unused rooms) flushed weekly to prevent stagnation?

Q9 | Unanswered

Are all shower heads and hoses cleaned, descaled, and disinfected at least quarterly, with records kept?

Q10 | Unanswered

Is the cold-water storage tank regularly inspected for cleanliness, proper cover, insulation, and signs of contamination?

Q11 | Unanswered

Are thermostatic mixer valves (TMVs) maintained to ensure appropriate temperature control and reduce scald risk?

Q12 | Unanswered

Is the water system schematic diagram (layout of tanks, pipes, outlets) available and up to date?

Q13 | Unanswered

Is there a logbook or digital system to record all temperature checks, flushing, maintenance, and cleaning tasks?

Q14 | Unanswered

Are external contractors (if used) qualified and providing documented proof of works completed (e.g., calibration, inspection, water sampling)?

Q15 | Unanswered

Are records kept for at least five years in line with HSE guidance (e.g., ACOP L8, HSG274 Part 2)?

Q16 | Unanswered

Are water sampling and microbiological testing conducted where required due to higher risk or identified issues?

Q17 | Unanswered

Is risk from aerosol-producing equipment (e.g., showers, whirlpool baths, spa equipment) assessed and controlled?

Q18 | Unanswered

Are hot and cold water outlets checked at point of use, especially in areas serving vulnerable residents (e.g., low immunity, respiratory conditions)?

Q19 | Unanswered

Is water system maintenance included in the premises’ Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedule?

Q20 | Unanswered

Are all areas, including staff rooms, kitchens, laundry, sluice rooms, and storage spaces, included in the checks?

Q21 | Unanswered

Are control measures adapted for vacant rooms or areas to prevent water stagnation (e.g., flushing protocols)?

Q22 | Unanswered

Are staff aware of the signs and risks of Legionnaires’ disease and how to report concerns?

Q23 | Unanswered

Is there a contingency plan in place in case of a Legionella outbreak or water system failure?

Q24 | Unanswered

Is any refurbishment or plumbing work reviewed to ensure it does not increase Legionella risk (e.g., dead legs, cross-connections)?

Q25 | Unanswered

Are residents, staff, and visitors protected from scalding through appropriate use of temperature-limiting devices or safe design?

Q26 | Unanswered

Are audits of Legionella compliance undertaken internally or externally and used to inform safety improvements?

Q27 | Unanswered

Are any Legionella incidents, near misses, or water contamination concerns investigated and acted on promptly?

Q28 | Unanswered

Is evidence of compliance available and accessible for inspection (e.g., during CQC, HSE, or Environmental Health reviews)?

Q29 | Unanswered

Are relevant policies (e.g., Legionella, water safety, infection control) aligned and cross-referenced for consistency?

Q30 | Unanswered

Are changes in occupancy (e.g., resident admission/discharge, room rotation) factored into flushing and monitoring routines?

Q31 | Unanswered

Is there collaboration with property management (if leased) or landlords to ensure shared water systems are maintained to required standards?