HSE L8 ACOP requires shower heads and hoses to be cleaned and descaled at regular intervals to prevent Legionella proliferation. The recommended minimum is quarterly, with more frequent cleaning in hard-water areas or where resident use is high.
Why this matters
Shower heads are among the highest-risk outlets in a care home water system warm, low-flow conditions combined with biofilm build-up create ideal conditions for Legionella. A quarterly cleaning log is one of the first things an HSE inspector requests during a water hygiene audit.
What to do
- 1Establish a quarterly shower head cleaning and descaling schedule covering every shower outlet on site.
- 2Log each cleaning with the date, outlet location, operative name and any observations (e.g. excessive scale or discolouration).
- 3Replace shower heads and hoses that cannot be adequately cleaned the replacement cost is negligible relative to the risk of leaving a contaminated outlet in service.
Primary source
HSE L8 ACOP Legionella: Showerheads and Hoses
Get the full picture every morning.
Briefing is updated daily. Join early access to unlock every article.