Legionella Awareness

This Legionella Awareness eLearning course provides essential training on the risks posed by Legionella bacteria in water systems and the measures needed to control exposure. Learners will understand what legionella is, how it can grow and spread in man-made water systems such as hot and cold water tanks, cooling towers, showers and plumbing systems, and why it presents a significant health risk if uncontrolled. The course explains legal responsibilities, hazard identification and basic control measures to help prevent Legionnaires’ disease in workplaces and other buildings. It is suitable for employees who have responsibility for or may be exposed to water systems.

Course Aims

The primary aims of the Legionella Awareness course are to:

• Introduce what legionella bacteria are and explain how they can pose a health risk in water systems
• Raise awareness of the conditions that encourage legionella growth and how water systems can become a source of contamination
• Clarify relevant legal duties and guidance for employers and duty holders in managing legionella risk under UK health and safety expectations
• Provide understanding of basic risk assessment and control measures used to prevent legionella proliferation
• Encourage safe behaviours and proactive monitoring to reduce the likelihood of legionella exposure

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 30-minute awareness course, learners will be able to:

• Understand what legionella is and how it causes harm, including how Legionnaires’ disease can develop
• Identify common water systems and conditions that may support legionella growth
• Recognise legal and organisational responsibilities for managing legionella risk and maintaining safe water systems
• Describe basic control measures, such as water temperature control, system cleaning and monitoring practices
• Apply practical awareness to support proactive risk control, reporting concerns and understanding when specialist measures are needed