This CPD-accredited Legionella Awareness course helps care and support staff understand what Legionella is, how Legionnaires’ disease can develop, and why water safety matters in care homes and residential services. Learners will explore where Legionella risk can arise in everyday care practice, the simple day-to-day actions that help reduce risk, and the importance of following local procedures and reporting concerns promptly.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
• Explain in simple terms what Legionella is and why it matters in care homes and residential services.
• Recognise common situations where Legionella risk may arise in a care setting.
• Describe simple day-to-day actions that help reduce risk.
• Understand what concerns should be reported and who to tell.
• Follow local procedures to support safe, person-centred practice.
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Overview
This course is suitable for:
- Care Workers.
- Support Workers.
- Team Leaders.
- Senior Care Staff.
- Nurses.
- Staff working in care homes, supported living, and community services.
What’s Covered:• What Legionella is and how Legionnaires’ disease can develop through breathing in tiny contaminated water droplets.
• Why Legionella matters in care homes and residential services, particularly where people may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
• Common places and situations where risk can arise, including showers, taps, en-suite bathrooms, shared bathrooms, little-used outlets, and vacant rooms.
• The environmental conditions that increase risk, including stagnant water, stored or recirculated water, suitable temperatures, and build-up such as scale, sludge, or biofilm.
• Everyday safe working practices that help reduce risk, including following local routines, supporting cleaning and de-scaling, and reporting issues promptly.
• The importance of not making unauthorised changes to water temperatures, fittings, or system controls.
• How Legionella control links with scald prevention in care settings.
• What staff should report and record, including unusual water temperatures, little-used outlets, missed flushing or cleaning routines, and changes in room use.
• The importance of accurate communication, record-keeping, and following local procedures.
• Short videos, interactive tasks, knowledge checks, and a final assessment.
Approx. 30 to 45 minutes, including videos, interactive tasks, and knowledge checks, though this may vary by learner.
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
