Temporary School Closure Highlights Need for Proactive Water Safety Management

Lucion Services' Legionella and Water Treatment manager Kieran Irving and area director Larne Fuller, say the temporary closure of the Hazeley Academy in Milton Keynes following the detection of Legionella bacteria in its water supply is a wake-up call for duty holders across the public and private sectors.

The recent, temporary closure of Hazeley Academy in Milton Keynes following the detection of Legionella bacteria has brought national attention to the risks and health and safety concerns facing schools and other large buildings and their water systems.

While no illnesses were reported, and the school has confirmed it had regular monitoring measures in place, the case has demonstrated the importance of routine monitoring and swift action when potential risks are identified.

Legionella is a natural environmental bacteria that can be found in man-made water systems.

The bacteria become more dangerous when it is given the correct breeding grounds, multiple of which can be influenced by poor management of the water systems.

When water droplets containing the bacteria are transmitted into aerosol form, individuals can inhale these droplets and potentially can develop Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia that can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals.

The academy's closure additionally highlights the absence of any parameters within UK water quality regulations surrounding waterborne pathogens including legionella and pseudomonas.

It is therefore the Duty Holders’ responsibility to ensure water systems are safe for anyone who comes into contact with them.

The risk is not limited to educational institutions, but schools often face unique challenges due to complex domestic water systems on larger premises, intermittent usage due to half terms, resulting in the likelihood of system stagnation.

All buildings, including leisure, industrial, retail, office, care homes, hospitals and even domestic properties can face similar risks from poorly installed and maintained systems.

Schools present unique challenges for water management.

The combination of complex domestic water systems, varying usage patterns throughout the academic year, and due to public access, the chance of any susceptible persons coming into contact with the water systems creates a perfect storm of risk factors.

Extended shutdowns, whether school holidays, seasonal building closures, or hybrid work patterns, require particular vigilance.

This might involve scheduled flushing programmes, holiday sampling regimes, and careful recommissioning procedures before terms begin.

Sampling is the perfect way to see if bacteria is present, but a strategic sampling plan should be implemented using the correct methods as detailed within the British Standard 7592.

Duty Holders and Responsible Persons in the United Kingdom should also review ‘INDG458 – Legionnaires’ Disease: A Guide For Duty Holders’ for a brief understanding of the overarching responsibilities.

Under UK health and safety law and COSHH regulation, all organisations are legally required to assess and manage the risks from waterborne pathogens such as Legionella, ensuring systems remain safe and compliant.

This includes regular risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, and keeping detailed records of actions taken.

For offices, hospitals, leisure centres, and other facilities, the requirements are just as critical.

What we’re seeing should serve as a catalyst for other schools and organisations to review their water safety protocols.

With proper management and regular attention, the risks associated with Legionella can be effectively controlled.