Legionella risk analysis & management plans

Safe drinking water and cooling systems

At AQ International, we understand the risks of Legionella and the importance of effective control measures. Legionella is a bacterium that can develop in water systems, especially in hot and cold water pipes. It can cause serious health problems, such as Legionnaires’ disease, which is why it is essential that organizations take appropriate measures to manage the risks of Legionella infections.

Our Legionella risk analysis & management plans are designed to help businesses, healthcare facilities and other organizations comply with legislation and protect the health of employees, residents and visitors. We provide a customized management plan specific to the facility, the risks and the measures needed to prevent Legionella.

What is a Legionella management plan?

A Legionella risk analysis is an inspection and inventory where all components and situations are mapped that may have a possible influence on the development of legionella.
The inspection reveals bottlenecks where the installed system does not comply with the applicable laws and regulations or which increase the risk of legionella growth.
A Legionella management plan is a document describing the measures to be taken to prevent, control and monitor the presence of Legionella in drinking water and cooling systems. The plan is mandatory for certain institutions under Belgian law, such as hospitals, hotels, sports centers and companies with cooling systems.

The management plan must comply with the Legionella Decree (Feb. 9, 2007), which establishes the obligation to prepare a risk inventory and control measures for any installation susceptible to Legionella. This decree requires that control measures be regularly monitored and evaluated.

Why is a Legionella management plan important?

Health Protection

Legionella can cause serious illnesses, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with reduced resistance. By implementing an effective management plan, you protect the health of your employees and customers.

Legislation and compliance

In many cases, it is required by law to have a Legionella management plan. Failure to comply can lead to fines, legal problems and an increased risk of contamination.

Cost savings

A proactive management plan prevents unforeseen legionella outbreaks, which can lead to costly repairs, remediation and legal claims.

Safety of installations

Implementing control measures improves the reliability of your systems, reducing your risk of technical failures and extending the life of your facilities.

Our approach to Legionella risk analysis & management plans

At AQ International, we offer a detailed and structured approach to preparing and implementing Legionella management plans. Our approach consists of the following phases:

Phase 1: Risk inventory.

We start with a thorough risk inventory, assessing the current state of your water system. This includes:

Visual inspection of the entire water system, including potable water pipes and cooling systems.
Temperature measurements of cold and hot water at different locations.
Water quality monitoring and identification of high-risk points such as stagnant water.
Inspection of backflow preventers and other safety devices.

Phase 2: Reporting of the risk inventory.

Based on the results of the inspection, we prepare a detailed report that identifies risks and includes suggested control measures. This report includes:

An overview of identified risks.
Recommendations for modifying facilities or procedures.
Proposal for monitoring and periodic review.

Phase 3: Preparation of the Legionella management plan.

We prepare the Legionella management plan according to the guidelines of the Legionella Decree. The plan includes:

Preventive measures such as adjusting water temperature and steaming through pipes to prevent stagnation.
Monitoring and sampling of water samples for potential Legionella contamination.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures for water systems.
Maintenance procedures and regular plant inspections to ensure continuous compliance with control measures.

Phase 4: Implementation and training

After preparing the management plan, we support the implementation of the measures and provide training for staff upon request. It is essential that all involved know how to prevent, recognize and control Legionella.

Phase 5: Aftercare and monitoring

The Legionella management plan requires regular reviews and audits to ensure it remains effective. We offer:

Annual audits of risk analysis and control measures.
Periodic inspections and water sampling to ensure the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Monitoring cooling and drinking water systems and performing flushing actions as needed.

Legionella laws and regulations.

According to Belgian legislation, and specifically the Legionella Decree of Feb. 9, 2007, all establishments with humidification systems that do not work with steam (such as showers, cooling systems and water pipes) must draw up a management plan and perform periodic risk inventories.

They must also conduct regular risk assessments and take appropriate measures to prevent contamination.

This decision states in part that:

The management plan must be kept current and up-to-date.
Water quality monitoring should take place at critical points within the system.
When elevated legionella concentrations are detected, immediate action should be taken, such as chemical disinfection, installing local or central legionella filters, or applying water treatment to address biofilm and bacteria in the pipes.

Also, all non-steam humidification systems are required to have a legionella management plan.

Federal legislation: protection from biological agents (including Legionella)

In addition to the Flemish Legionella Decree, there is also a federal requirement for employers to protect their staff from biological agents, including Legionella.

The Welfare at Work Code, specifically Title V, Chapter 3, establishes a legal framework through the Royal Decree of August 4, 1996 (amended in 1999). This legislation focuses on the prevention of exposure to microorganisms, genetically modified organisms, cell cultures and human endoparasites that can cause infections, allergies or intoxications.

Some key provisions of this legislation

Employers must identify hazardous biological agents, evaluate the risk, and take appropriate control measures.
Microorganisms are classified into four risk classes, based on:
- Their ability to cause disease,
- their ability to spread,
- and whether a treatment exists.
Legionella pneumophila belongs to hazard group 2: it can cause severe human illness and poses a risk to workers. Treatment is usually available, but the severity of the disease (including potentially fatal outcomes) remains a major concern.

Dissemination and risks

Legionella grows best in a humid environment between 25 and 50°C. Exposure occurs primarily through inhalation of aerosols from contaminated water systems (such as showers, cooling towers, whirlpools…).

Mandatory management measures for employers

The RD requires employers to take measures to protect workers when there is a risk of exposure to biological agents. This is especially true when work is deliberately done with materials or equipment that may be contaminated.

This legislation is specifically aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of employees. Responsibility is less clearly regulated for visitors or customers, but it is strongly recommended that precautions be taken for them as well.

Specific products for Legionella control

We offer T-Safe® products that help control Legionella in water systems. These products feature Legionella filters that prevent Legionella contamination.

Examples include T-Safe® Hand Showers and Wall Showers that are specially equipped with replaceable legionella filters that can effectively prevent legionella contamination.

Why AQ International?

With years of experience in Legionella control, AQ International offers a complete package of risk assessment, management plans and maintenance services that fully comply with legislation and the highest safety standards. Our disinfection and cleaning methods, combined with certified products, ensure that your facility is always safe.

References

Please contact us

Want to learn more about how AQ International can help you create a Legionella management plan and manage the risks? Then contact us for a no-obligation inspection and quote. We’ll make sure you comply with legislation and that your water systems remain safe for everyone.