Legionella: What You Need to Know & How to Prevent It.

Introduction: Why Legionella Should Be on Your Radar

Legionella is a type of bacteria that many people have heard of—but few truly understand. While it exists naturally in water, it can become deadly when it multiplies in man-made systems. Inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria can lead to a serious respiratory illness known as Legionnaires’ disease—and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

Other milder infections include Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever, but all fall under a broader category of illnesses known as legionellosis. The good news is that these diseases are highly preventable with the right knowledge and controls.

At The Builders Academy, we offer practical, fully online Legionella Awareness Training to help duty holders, employers, and facility managers understand the risks—and how to eliminate them.

Who Should Be Concerned About Legionella?

While anyone can contract Legionnaires’ disease, some individuals face higher risks due to age, health conditions, or exposure:

• People over 45 years old

• Individuals with chronic respiratory issues or weakened immune systems

• Smokers and heavy drinkers

• Patients in hospitals or residents of care homes

• Maintenance workers in high-risk environments

If you’re responsible for the safety of others in buildings that use complex water systems—such as landlords, building managers, or contractors—you must take these risks seriously.

Our Legionella Awareness Course is a simple, effective way to get compliant.

Where Is Legionella Likely to Grow?

Legionella bacteria are naturally present in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers, but the real danger comes when they grow unchecked in warm, stagnant water within buildings.

Common risk points include:

• Hot and cold water systems

• Cooling towers and air conditioning units

• Spa baths, hot tubs, and jacuzzis

• Decorative fountains and water features

• Showerheads, hoses, and pipework with poor water flow

When systems are poorly maintained, underused, or incorrectly heated, they become prime environments for Legionella to multiply.

How Do People Get Infected?

Unlike many infectious diseases, Legionella is not spread person-to-person. Instead, people become infected by inhaling tiny airborne water droplets (aerosols) that contain the bacteria.

Examples of exposure include:

• Breathing in mist from a shower or spa

• Standing near a decorative fountain

• Working near a cooling tower with poor filtration

Once inhaled, the bacteria settle in the lungs and can cause pneumonia-like symptoms. Infections often begin with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and headaches, but can quickly escalate to severe respiratory issues without proper treatment.

What Makes Legionella Multiply?

Controlling Legionella risk starts with understanding the conditions that help it thrive:

• Temperature range: Legionella grows best between 20°C and 45°C.

• Stagnation: When water doesn’t circulate, bacteria settle and breed.

• Biofilm: Slimy layers inside pipes can protect bacteria and feed growth.

• Rust, scale, and sediment: These provide nutrients and shelter for bacteria.

Legionella control isn’t about guesswork—it’s about routine monitoring and preventative action.

What If Legionella Is Found in Your System?

Detection of Legionella doesn’t automatically mean there’s an outbreak—but it does mean you need to act fast.

Immediate actions include:

• Flushing and disinfecting all affected systems

• Cleaning pipework, tanks, and outlets (especially showerheads and taps)

• Raising hot water temperatures to above 60°C

• Reviewing maintenance logs and updating control measures

For workplaces and duty holders, failing to manage Legionella effectively can lead to criminal charges, fines, and reputational damage.

Stay compliant. Stay informed. Train with us today.

Who Needs Legionella Training?

This course is designed for professionals who have a duty of care to others or manage buildings with water systems. It’s particularly relevant to:

• Facilities and estate managers

• Landlords and letting agents

• Healthcare and care home staff

• Maintenance engineers and plumbers

• Health & safety officers

The Builders Academy Legionella Awareness Course offers:

• Flexible 100% online learning

• CPD-certified completion

• Clear guidance on HSE obligations

• Practical advice on reducing real-world risk

You don’t need prior technical knowledge—just a commitment to keeping people safe.

Why This Matters: Real-World Consequences

Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks are rare, but when they occur, the consequences are deadly and far-reaching.

The 1976 outbreak in Philadelphia infected over 200 people and killed 34. In the UK, the HSE recorded 345 confirmed cases in 2016—and numbers have remained steady since. These aren’t just statistics. Each case represents a failure in system design, maintenance, or oversight.

With proper training, those failures can be prevented.

Final Thoughts: Protect Lives, Safeguard Your Organisation

Managing Legionella risk isn’t just about ticking a compliance box—it’s about protecting lives. Every landlord, contractor, or site supervisor has a responsibility to ensure that water systems are managed properly.

Training is the most powerful tool in prevention. Whether you run a care facility, manage a team of contractors, or maintain building systems, Legionella awareness should be part of your safety strategy.

Take action today. Enroll in our Legionella Awareness Course and protect your team, your clients, and your reputation.

Contact Us

Phone: 0203 345 6575
Email: admin@thebuildersacademy.co.uk
Website: www.thebuildersacademy.co.uk