CQC registration document guidance

Care Home Legionella Risk Assessment

A care home Legionella Risk Assessment should show that water-system risks have been identified and are being managed safely before you submit your CQC application.

Why this matters for your registration

  • •Older people and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to Legionnaires’ disease.
  • •CQC considers legionella control under safe care and suitable premises responsibilities.
  • •Where the assessment identifies actions, those actions should be addressed before you apply.

What you should prepare

  • •A current assessment of the actual water systems in the premises, including hot and cold systems, tanks, outlets, showers, taps and relevant appliances.
  • •Identification of legionella risk factors such as stagnant water, low-use outlets, temperature risks, dead legs and redundant pipework.
  • •Inspection, testing and monitoring arrangements such as temperature checks, descaling schedules, maintenance and sampling where required.
  • •Clear legionella control measures, record-keeping arrangements and remedial-action logs.
  • •Named responsibility for legionella control and relevant staff awareness or training arrangements.
  • •Review arrangements, including annual review and earlier review where circumstances change.

Before you submit

  • •Make sure the assessment is specific to the actual premises and water system you intend to use.
  • •Check that any actions identified have been completed before submitting your application.
  • •Show who is responsible for legionella control and how checks will be recorded.
  • •Keep the assessment consistent with your Environment Risk Assessment, IPC arrangements and other premises documents.