CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskWhich outlets need weekly flushing, how long for, and how to record it correctly.
Sentinel outlets are the most remote (furthest from the incoming supply or calorifier) and most accessible hot and cold water outlets on each circuit. Running the sentinel outlets weekly for at least two minutes flushes through water that has been standing in the pipework and brings in fresh water, preventing temperature conditions that favour Legionella growth.
The sentinel outlets should be identified during the Legionella risk assessment and marked on the system schematic. In a care home, they are typically the most remote shower and the most remote cold tap on each circuit. The risk assessor should confirm which outlets are designated as sentinels when the assessment is produced.
Run the outlet for a minimum of two minutes -- longer if the water has not reached temperature (hot outlets should reach at least 50C at the outlet within one minute; cold outlets should be below 20C within two minutes). In healthcare premises, all showers in resident areas should be flushed weekly regardless of sentinel designation.
Record the date, time, outlet flushed, result (temperature achieved if measuring, or 'flushed -- no concerns'), and your name. Use the written scheme's log sheet or an equivalent. If temperatures are outside range, escalate immediately to the RP and the responsible contractor.
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