Legionella Awareness

Why Legionella Awareness is Essential in Hospitality

In pubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants, water systems such as taps, showers, ice machines, beer lines, and hot water storage tanks can all pose risks if not properly maintained. Legionella bacteria can grow in these systems and cause Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Our Legionella Awareness training is designed specifically for hospitality settings, ensuring staff and managers understand the risks, the law, and how to manage water safety effectively.

Legal Duties for Legionella Control

UK law places clear duties on employers, landlords, and those in control of premises to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers must manage these risks.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance in its Approved Code of Practice L8, “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems.” This guidance outlines the legal responsibilities for risk assessment, control measures, and staff training. (HSE: Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease)

By completing this course, your venue demonstrates compliance with regulatory expectations and a commitment to protecting public health.

What the Legionella Awareness Course Covers

This online course includes:

• What Legionella bacteria is and how it spreads

• Understanding Legionnaires’ disease and associated health risks

• Legal duties for hospitality venues under UK health and safety law

• Identifying potential Legionella risks in pubs and restaurants (e.g. beer lines, ice machines, hot water storage, showers, taps, and outdoor systems)

• Control measures, including water temperature management, flushing, cleaning, and maintenance schedules

• The role of a “responsible person” and their duties in monitoring water systems

• Record-keeping, reporting, and demonstrating compliance

• Real-world case studies and practical hospitality examples

Benefits of Legionella Awareness for Pubs and Hospitality

• Reduces the risk of staff and customer illness from Legionnaires’ disease

• Helps avoid enforcement action, reputational damage, or costly closures

• Demonstrates compliance with HSE and COSHH requirements

• Builds staff confidence in managing water safety

• Provides professional development through CPD certification

Online Delivery and Certification

This Legionella Awareness training is delivered entirely online, making it flexible and convenient for hospitality businesses. Staff can complete the course at their own pace without disrupting shifts or service. On successful completion, each learner receives a CPD-certified certificate, proving their competence in Legionella awareness and supporting regulatory compliance.

To see the full range of CPD Certified training courses available from That HR Girl, please click here: Comprehensive Pub Health & Safety Courses for All Levels