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Shower heads are a potential growth area for Legionella bacteria, especially when they are not often used or are cleaned infrequently. Because shower heads generate fine aerosols, they can present a significant route of exposure if Legionella is present in the water system. As a result, regular Legionella shower head cleaning is necessary to ensure building occupant safety and compliance with legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act as well as guidance such as HSG274 and ACOP L8.
In this guide, our expert team explains why shower head cleaning for Legionella is necessary, how often it needs to be carried out, the signs your shower heads need cleaning and how to clean a shower head for Legionella compliance.
Read on to learn more or, to speak with an expert, just call us now on 0800 358 1100.
Shower heads are a Legionella risk for a few reasons:
HSG274 provides practical guidance from the HSE on controlling the risks associated with Legionella in water systems and supports dutyholders in meeting their legal responsibilities under ACOP L8 and wider health and safety legislation.
For infrequently used outlets, including shower heads, HSG274 recommends that appropriate flushing regimes are implemented to minimise stagnation and maintain control of the Legionella risk. The frequency of flushing should be determined based on the findings of the risk assessment and the characteristics of the water system.
Additionally, it suggests that Legionella shower head disinfection and cleaning should be carried out ‘Quarterly or as indicated by the rate of fouling or other risk factors, e.g. areas with high risk patients’.
The shower head should be taken apart and all parts thoroughly cleaned before reassembly. This is to remove any limescale and other debris which could encourage the growth of Legionella.
Without regular cleaning, shower heads can accumulate limescale, mould and other debris or contamination. These buildups can encourage the growth of Legionella bacteria or even, in the case of mould, present their own risk factors.
As the dutyholder of a non-domestic property, you are legally required to assess and control the risk of Legionella within your water system, including in shower heads. Failing to conduct regular shower head cleaning for Legionella can constitute non-compliance.
To maintain compliance with HSG274 guidance, your shower heads will need cleaning at least once a quarter or ‘as indicated by the rate of fouling’. However, there are a few signs that you may need to increase the frequency of your Legionella shower head cleaning, including:
The best way to ensure legal compliance and keep your shower heads Legionella-free, especially in larger properties or sites with vulnerable occupants, is to arrange for regular professional Legionella shower head cleaning. However, for smaller properties or more routine cleaning, you can follow the simple steps below.
How to descale shower heads:
DIY cleaning can help with general maintenance, but it is always advisable to book professional shower head cleaning for Legionella compliance and occupant safety.
Shower head cleaning is just one part of an effective Legionella control programme. Most non-domestic properties will require a range of control measures depending on the exact features of your water system:
The best way to ensure legal compliance and occupant safety when it comes to Legionella shower head cleaning and Legionella control in general is to work with a trusted water hygiene partner.
At EMS Water, we provide expert water hygiene compliance support, including Legionella shower head disinfection, for dutyholders across the UK. From risk assessments to storage tank inspections and more, our expert team can help with all aspects of your water hygiene and Legionella control scheme.
