The importance of water safety training has been highlighted after a major hospital was fined £35,000 for having dangerously high levels of the legionella bug in its water supply.
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Trust stopped testing its water supply for legionella despite high levels of the bacteria being found in a wing of the building back in 2002. The trust was recently fined £35,000 with almost £13,000 costs after a subsequent Health and Safety Executive investigation discovered dangerously high levels of the bug in its water supply.
Magistrates imposed the fine despite being unable to conclude if two patients who died after contracting Legionnaires' disease, were infected at the hospital or elsewhere.
The HSE investigation found unsafe levels of legionella in the hospital's water supply system for the showers, baths and sinks.
The NHS Trust admitted breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by putting employees and the public at risk.
The HSE criticised the Trust for failing to put suitable control measures in place, and senior management for failing to take responsibility for overseeing the control of the bacteria.
Paul Neale of Connaught Compliance Water Services said:
"This case highlights the financial and reputational danger to organisations whose water hygiene systems are not of the highest possible standard.
"A crucial part of staying safe and meeting all your legal obligations in respect of water safety is appointing responsible people and investing in their training. It's important that your responsible people are well versed in all of the issues around water hygiene, can put control measures in place and take appropriate action and where risks are identified."
Inspector Kevin Jones of the HSE said: "It is almost beyond comprehension that Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospitals NHS Trust became so complacent about legionella in the water supply system.
"The NHS Trust ignored the recommendations it had been given by a specialist contractor to control the levels of legionella in the water system. No one took, or was given, responsibility for managing the bacteria, and suitable control measures were not in place."
Connaught Compliance offers the following water safety courses aimed at everybody from janitors and facilities managers to managers and site heads. We deliver courses at centres across the UK or provide tailored in-company training at your location. For more info on the water course click on the links below:
Control of Legionellosis
Legionnaires Disease: The Role of the Responsible Person
Legionnaires Disease: Operation & Maintenance of Water Systems
Legionella Risk Awareness | 
