In praise of our Legionella services
Like many churches and voluntary organisations, the leaders of Elim Church, Braintree, (ECB) were unaware, for some years, that the church building should have a current Legionella risk assessment.
As well as Sunday worship, the church also hosts a range of community groups, including the homeless, and those with great needs. Each week, the church building is used by 200 – 300 people, so its leadership team was keen that the building was assessed and compliant, in order to ensure its users’ safety.
We sent Legionella technician James, to check the water system thoroughly, assessing the pipework, and measuring the water temperature at all of the church’s outlets. The water at all locations was well within the ideal temperature range. Being regularly used by over 200 people in the course of each week, the water system regularly has a healthy turnover of water through all its outlets, minimising the risk of Legionella bacteria proliferation.
Pastor Andy Knight said, “The survey turned out to be a simple process on the day, and it was very good to know that there were no serious problems, and everything was in order. With a church community comprising all ages, from newborns to those in their eighties, we want everyone to be safe. Just the knowledge that we needed a Legionella risk assessment was quite concerning, so to have Swiftclean put our minds at rest has been invaluable. James was reassuring and friendly from the moment he arrived until he gave us his verdict. Next time we need to update our risk assessment, it will definitely be Swiftclean that we call.”
It is not unusual for organisations such as churches, Scout and Guide groups, or sports or social clubs, not to realise that they may need a Legionella risk assessment. If your building is open to the public on a regular basis, you probably do need a risk assessment, and to be aware of your responsibilities in keeping your water system Legionella free. If you are not sure if you need a risk assessment, we are always happy to provide advice, as well as delivering an expert service.
