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If you are responsible for managing a building’s water system, understanding what a dead leg is and why it matters is essential. Dead legs are closely linked to water stagnation, loss of disinfectant protection, and conditions that increase the risk of Legionella bacteria developing within pipework. Put simply, a dead leg is a section of pipe where water does not flow often enough, or at all. The water inside becomes stagnant, meaning it sits for extended periods without bein

Keeping a building’s water systems safe is one of those responsibilities that sits quietly in the background until something goes wrong. Most facilities managers know temperature checks, flushing routines and general upkeep are vital, but the area that often raises the most questions is testing for Legionella . The process is not complicated, although it does need a structured approach and a clear understanding of why each step matters. Legionella bacteria can appear in water

Understanding the Purpose of a Legionella Risk Assessment A Legionella risk assessment is a structured review of the water systems within a building to identify conditions that could support the growth of Legionella bacteria . These bacteria thrive in water that is warm, stagnant or contaminated with scale or biofilm. When droplets from contaminated water become airborne, they can be inhaled and potentially lead to Legionnaires disease. For anyone responsible for a building,

Little used outlets are one of the most common sources of water quality problems in commercial buildings. When water sits still inside pipework, it rapidly loses disinfectant residual, drops in temperature and begins to stagnate. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria, including organisms such as Legionella pneumophila , to multiply. It also encourages scale, biofilm and sediment build-up, which can eventually compromise both water safety and system performance. For any f

BS 7592:2022 is aimed at commercial water systems - hot and cold-water distribution loops, tanks, calorifiers, cooling towers, spa pools and others where water can be stored, recirculated or aerosolised. It sets out how to take water, sediment or biofilm samples as part of your microbiological monitoring and how such sampling links into your overall water-safety strategy. Why your sampling plan must have a clear rationale One of the key principles of BS 7592:2022 is that Legi

Legionella is a group of water-borne bacteria that thrive in warm, stagnant water systems and can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease when inhaled as fine droplets. These bacteria occur naturally in lakes and rivers but become hazardous when they multiply in man-made systems where water is stored, circulated, or sprayed into the air. If you’re a facilities manager, you’ll recognise that any building with stored or recirculated water can present a ri

When it comes to water hygiene , there’s no shortage of advice out there - some good, some not so much. Unfortunately, many businesses end up paying for unnecessary services because of long-standing myths or misleading recommendations. So, let’s bust a few of the biggest water hygiene myths and set the record straight. 1. “Your tanks should be cleaned annually” This is one of the most common misconceptions in the industry. In reality, your water tanks don’t need to be clean

As a facilities manager, you have a legal and professional duty to keep building occupants safe. One of the most important areas of compliance is controlling the risk of Legionella in water systems. This is where ACOP L8  comes in. It is the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Approved Code of Practice for managing Legionella risk, and it should form the backbone of your water safety strategy. This guide explains what ACOP L8 is, why it matters, and what you need to do to s