Whilst the rules about assessing and managing risks of Legionella, usually in water systems are a clear requirement, I am aware that practice in terms of routine regular sampling of water in Almshouses varies.
Our own traditional practice has been to undertake routine regular testing, but I wondered if we were in the minority amongst Almshouses, who manage this risk? I ask because:
1. The test supplier tells us that it is required practice, but my reading indicates that the industry body makes those recommendations(!)
2. The costs are relatively high within our overall operating budget
3. In four years we have only detected minor or threshold levels of bacteria and it costs us two arms and a leg for the supplier to clean and sterilise the affected system….
4. Whilst the ethical and care for resident issues might indicate it is important, I am concerned about relative value of investing limited funds here, when there are likely higher risk areas that we should/could be addressing as a priority.
Any comments/best practice elsewhere/observations?
Mike Tunstall, BMC Almshouses, Watford.