University compliance part 1: A First in water compliance

The university campus is both a place of learning and a home from home, in which facilities managers must safeguard the properties’ users in both their waking and sleeping hours. David Randlesome, National Sales manager for Water Services at Swiftclean, explains the basics of compliance for universities.

There is a duty of care to provide a safe working environment in universities, for teaching staff, administration and support teams, as well as safe learning spaces and living accommodation for students. This means ensuring your compliance in several key areas.

Naturally, a major priority will be the water system, which must be kept clean and free from water-borne pollutants such as Legionella and other similar bacteria.  This is critical for students or staff members with an underlying health condition, as they are particularly susceptible to the effects of Legionnaire’s Disease, the ‘flu-like’ illness caused by Legionella bacteria.

Water systems must be, by law, carefully managed in compliance with the Approved Code of Practice for the control of Legionella (ACOP L8), issued by the UK’s Health & Safety Executive. This also requires the appointment of a Responsible Person, who carries considerable legal responsibility. If found to be negligent, the Responsible Person, as well as the organisation, can be prosecuted. If found guilty, individuals can face a custodial sentence, especially if there has been a fatality due to Legionella; while limitless fines can be imposed on the organisation.

Evidence of compliance is, therefore, almost as important as compliance itself, as it protects both the named individuals managing the property and the organisation itself. Robust documentation is essential at every stage.   

Each property must have a current Legionella risk assessment, which must be updated after any significant change, including a change of Responsible Person, and the system itself should always be L8 compliant. If the system itself is altered, either to add or remove pipework or outlets, the risk assessment should always be updated.  

You should always ensure that wa