Where Can Legionella Bacteria Be Found in a Hotel?

Your hotel sees tens of thousands of people staying each year. When they’re not out exploring the local area, they’ll be enjoying their room’s amenities – that includes refreshing themselves with a hot shower, enjoying a relaxing bath, or just sipping on a glass of cool water.

Unfortunately, the seemingly harmless water they use can harbour a hidden danger: Legionella bacteria.

Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection caused by breathing in contaminated water droplets. It can be contracted from improperly maintained water systems. Unfortunately, hotels – with their extensive plumbing and potential for stagnant water – are particularly susceptible to Legionella outbreaks. In a worst-case scenario, hundreds of guests and staff could be exposed.

So, what steps can you take to ensure your establishment is Legionella-free?

The team at Asbury have specialised in hotel Legionella testing for years, so we know all about the importance of keeping your water safe. Let’s start by understanding where this bacteria thrives!

Where Can You Find Legionella in a Hotel?

Legionella bacteria can be found in almost any part of a hotel’s water system where there’s stagnant or slow-moving water, and where the water temperature is between 20 and 45°C. Here are some specific areas where Legionella growth is more likely:

Taps and Shower Heads: These are some of the most common places where legionella bacteria can be found in hotels. The warm, moist environment inside a shower head is ideal for Legionella growth.
Hot Water Tanks and Boilers: Legionella bacteria can also grow in hot water tanks and boilers, especially if the water temperature isn’t maintained at a high enough level.
Cooling Towers and Air Conditioning Systems: Cooling towers and air conditioning systems can create ideal conditions for Legionella growth if they aren’t properly maintained.
Whirlpool Spas and Hot Tubs: The warm, stagnant water in whirlpool spas and hot tubs can also harbour Legionella bacteria.
Decorative Fountains and Misting Systems: Decorative fountains and misting systems can create aerosols that can spread Legionella bacteria if they aren’t properly maintained.

How Can You Prevent Legionella in a Hotel?

Every hotel is different, so the best way to create a safer environment for guests and staff is to have a Legionella risk assessment carried out. It’s also a legal requirement – failing to arrange for one can lead to hefty fines and legal action being taken against you.

A Legionella risk assessment is a process used to identify the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in a building’s water system. The assessment helps pinpoint areas where Legionella could grow and spread, and it recommends steps to mitigate the risk.

During the assessment, a qualified inspector will review the building’s blueprints and water system schematics, conduct a physical inspection of the water system, and look for potential risk factors such as stagnant water, low water flow, and areas where water temperatures are ideal for bacterial growth (between 20°C and 45°C). Depending on the level of risk, the inspector may also take water samples to test for the presence of Legionella bacteria.

After the assessment, the inspector will recommend control measures. Here are some of the most important:

Water Temperature Management: Maintaining proper water temperatures throughout the plumbing system is crucial. Hot water needs to be stored at a minimum of 60°C and circulated throughout the system to prevent stagnation. Cold water should be kept below 20°C.
Regular Flushing: Stagnant water is a breeding ground for Legionella. In unoccupied rooms, hotels should flush taps (sinks, showers etc.) weekly at a minimum, and before a new guest checks in.
Cleaning and Disinfection: Regular cleaning and disinfection of shower heads, taps, and other water outlets can help remove built-up limescale and biofilm where Legionella can thrive.
Staff Training: Hotel staff should be trained to understand Legionella risks and how their actions can help prevent the growth of the bacteria.

For more details and specific guidelines, you’re best off speaking with qualified legionella risk assessors like the team at Asbury.

Protect Your Hotel From Legionella With an Expert Risk Assessment From Asbury

Legionella can pose a serious health risk, but Asbury are here to keep your guests safe. As the South’s leading Legionella specialists, we have years of experience testing water systems in hotels and other commercial properties – no matter the size or complexity.

Our meticulous approach guarantees a thorough assessment, tailored to your hotel’s unique system. But don’t just take our word for it – read our reviews to see what our satisfied customers have to say!

Don’t let Legionella risk your guests’ health or your hotel’s reputation. Book an assessment online or call us on 01202 745189 today!