Why Is Legionella Training Essential
Regular training is an essential part of any Legionella control and prevention regime. In nearly every Legionella outbreak a lack of knowledge and training has been identified.
Both the HSE and the Department of Health require that those involved in carrying out the control and prevention measures are “technically competent”. Duty Holders must ensure that any training is of the correct standard. Basic online awareness training is often not enough to ensure competence.
In 2026 Two Edinburgh GP practices were issued with improvement notices by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) due to the “risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria”. The HSE found that the practices had committed three breaches, including failing to ensure that any person carrying out work at the building had suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training regarding their potential exposure to hazardous substances.
Following the unfortunate death of Paulette Crookes a 2025 inquest was informed that an internal review from the site highlighted the need for increased testing, more staff training, improved guest safety information, and the potential installation of smart monitoring systems.
In 2024 Sanctury Housing was fined £900,000 by Liverpool Crown Court. A HSE investigation found that residents were put at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease after Sanctuary failed to manage the outbreak properly. The investigation also found that staff handling the outbreak were “inadequately trained and supervised”.
In 2023 Remyck House in Aldershot rated 'inadequate' by CQC, amongst the failures was a lack of Legionella training for staff.
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