During the latest heatwaves, many Care Homes have been reminded about water safety and getting in touch to find out:
ü How to keep resident’s safe
ü What the requirements are for controlling legionella in nursing and residential care homes
ü how our tests can help them maintain water safety and meet their regulatory requirements.
So, here are some quick answers to your questions.
How important is testing?
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria found in water systems, spas and cooling systems. Symptoms can range from flu-like illness to severe pneumonia, and can be life threatening.
For nursing and residential care homes, water safety is essential. Residents are often more vulnerable to infection due to age and underlying health conditions, making controlling Legionella in nursing and residential care homes especially important.
That’s why care homes have a legal duty to properly maintain water systems and carry out regular risk assessments.
What Are the Requirements for Legionella Control in UK Care Homes?
Under HSE guidance, care homes must identify and control risks linked to Legionella bacteria. This includes:
· Carrying out Legionella risk assessments
· Monitoring and maintaining water systems
· Keeping water at safe temperatures
· Flushing and cleaning
· Regular Legionella testing for care homes
What Makes Our Legionella Test Kit the best Testing Kit for Legionella in Care Homes?
At Smartwater Testing, we make Legionella testing simple, hassle-free and cost-effective.
Our easy-to-use kits are delivered directly to your care home. Once samples are collected from hot water taps, mixer taps, hot tubs, and showers, simply return them to our UKAS-registered laboratory using our free courier or Free post service.
We provide:
ü Expert Legionella Testing for Care Homes
ü Fast turnaround times
ü Testing in line with HSE guidance
ü Verified results in around 14 days
ü Certification for clear results
ü If Legionella is detected, we can also connect you with trusted water treatment specialists for further support.
Do heatwaves create extra risk?
Legionella bacteria breeds in water over 20° Celsius, which is why we ask you to test your hot water outlets. However, during hot weather, some sites find that the water from their cold taps warms considerably. We provide specialist water thermometers in our Legionella Control Scheme Packs for you to monitor these temperature rises.
If your cold water outlets are exceeding 20° Celsius, we do recommend testing, and our testing kits are perfect for this. They are suitable for both hot water and cold water outlets.
Remember: Regular testing helps protect vulnerable residents, maintain compliance and provide peace of mind.
To find out more about Legionella testing for care homes, contact Smartwater Testing or order your testing kit online today.