Course Outline
Introduction to Legionella
• What is Legionella bacteria
• Legionnaires’ disease and associated health risks
• Routes of exposure and transmission
• Vulnerable groups and risk factors
Legionella Risk in the Workplace
• Common sources of Legionella in buildings
• Hot and cold water systems
• Cooling towers and evaporative systems
• Showers, taps, storage tanks, and infrequently used outlets
Legal Duties and Organisational Responsibilities
• Employer and duty holder responsibilities
• Risk assessment requirements
• Importance of written control schemes
• Roles of responsible persons and support staff
Risk Factors and Prevention
• Water temperature control principles
• Stagnation and system design risks
• Biofilm and scale formation awareness
• Good maintenance and housekeeping practices
Monitoring and Control Awareness
• Routine flushing and inspection awareness
• Record keeping and reporting procedures
• Recognising warning signs of system failure
• Escalation procedures when risks are identified
Supporting a Safe Water Management Culture
• Communication between departments
• Reporting concerns effectively
• Maintaining ongoing awareness within organisations
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals responsible for workplace safety, facilities management, and operational oversight, including:
• Facilities Managers
• Building Managers
• Property & Estate Managers
• Safety Managers & Safety Officers
• EHS Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors & Technicians
• Operations Managers
• Hospitality & Accommodation Management
• Healthcare Facility Personnel
• Schools & Public Building Administrators
• Landlords and Duty Holders
• Individuals assigned Legionella monitoring responsibilities
No prior technical knowledge is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Risk Management
Legionella bacteria can develop in poorly maintained water systems, creating significant health risks for employees, visitors, and the public.
Legal Responsibility
Irish employers and duty holders must identify and control biological hazards associated with water systems.
Compliance
Training supports organisational obligations to manage risks under workplace safety legislation and public health guidance.
Preventative Approach
Awareness enables early identification of risk conditions before they escalate into serious incidents.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand what Legionella bacteria are and how they develop
• Recognise workplace water systems that present potential risk
• Understand organisational responsibilities and duty holder roles
• Identify conditions that promote bacterial growth
• Support monitoring and control programmes
• Contribute to safe water hygiene management practices
• Assist organisations in maintaining compliance and risk awareness
Course Format & Delivery
• Instructor-led training
• Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning
• Workplace-relevant Irish examples
• Practical awareness-focused delivery
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises, or
• At designated training venues
The course emphasises practical understanding and organisational awareness rather than technical engineering instruction.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports employer obligations under:
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (as amended)
• Biological Agents Regulations (where applicable)
• HSA guidance relating to Legionella risk management
Irish legislation requires employers to:
• Identify biological hazards
• Assess and control risks
• Implement preventative safety measures
• Provide appropriate information and training to employees
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional safety training focused on real workplace risk management and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Practical risk awareness
• Clear duty holder understanding
• Workplace-focused learning
• Prevention-led safety culture
• Consistent professional delivery
We position Legionella awareness as a shared organisational responsibility — not solely a technical function.
FAQ's
Is Legionella Awareness Training legally required in Ireland?
Employers must manage biological hazards and ensure staff involved in risk control understand their responsibilities. Training supports compliance with this obligation.
Is this a technical water treatment course?
No. This course provides awareness and responsibility understanding rather than specialist water treatment certification.
Who should attend this training?
Anyone responsible for building management, maintenance, or workplace safety where water systems are present.
How often should training be refreshed?
Organisations commonly refresh Legionella awareness training every 2–3 years or following system or personnel changes.
Can training be delivered onsite?
Yes. Onsite delivery allows discussion of organisation-specific water systems and procedures.
