Legionella Prevention and Water Treatment (Operators and Managers)
FIND THIS COURSE NEAR YOU
Enter your full UK postcode below
General Information
Course Structure and Learning Outcomes
The Legionella Prevention and Water Treatment course is designed to help plumbers; operators and managers comply with the guidance published in the HSE document Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8. The course will help learners comply with their legal duties including identifying and assessing sources of risk, preparing a scheme to prevent or control risk, implementing, managing and monitoring precautions and keeping records of control measures taken.
There are two versions of the course available, for plumbers and operatives that carry out work on the water supply system and for supervisors and managers who are responsible for the management of water systems in properties under their control.
Be trained and assessed on the following:
- The background to Legionnaires Disease
- What is the Legionella Bacteria
- Where and how does it multiply
- How is it spread and contracted
- How to comply to the law
- Duties, obligations and records
- Assessing risk
- Controlling and reducing risk
- Methods of Treatment
- Prevention and disinfection
- Record keeping
The operative version also includes practical detail regarding how to disinfect and clean a domestic sized water system using various methods; chlorine, bleach and silver hydrogen peroxide.
The course is not designed to cover large commercial water systems, water towers or cooling systems in any depth.
Prerequisites and Assessment
Learners undertaking the plumber and operator's course must hold an N/SVQ or equivalent qualification in plumbing or have previous plumbing experience (normally a minimum of 2 years) and a valid certificate in WRAS Water Regulations.
Learners undertaking the supervisors and managers course do not require any formal qualification however they should have a good understanding of water systems and current best practice legislation.
Related Qualifications and Resources
Additional Learner and Centre Information
What Careers Can This Course Lead To?
This course supports different career paths depending on which version of the course you complete.
For Plumbers and Operatives, this course enhances your ability to provide water hygiene and treatment services in residential settings.
The course supports careers in:
- Plumbing and heating installation and maintenance
- Water system servicing and disinfection
- Domestic hot and cold water safety compliance
- Contracted maintenance for landlords, letting agents, or housing providers
For Supervisors and Managers, the course supports you in overseeing water systems in residential or managed properties. It’s suited to:
- Property and estate managers
- Housing association staff
- Facilities management professionals
- Local authority officers responsible for housing compliance
In both cases, this course demonstrate compliance with ACoP L8, supporting safe practices in the management of domestic water systems.
What Progression Opportunities Will Be Available To Me After I've Completed This Course?
What you do next will depend on your role and chosen version of the course.
For Plumbers and Operatives, you may wish to:
- Progress to the Water Regulations Certificate (if not already held)
- Complete Hot Water Systems & Safety training course
- Undertake further LCL Awards Level 3 qualifications, such as Solar Thermal or Heat Pump installation
- Broaden your services to include legionella risk assessments and treatment as a specialist offering to businesses responsible for building maintenance and safety.
For Supervisors and Managers, you may consider:
- Expanding into broader compliance, housing safety, or facilities management roles
- Building on this course as part of wider CPD for landlords or managing agents
- Working towards a structured role in property risk management or internal training provision
The course provides an industry recognised foundation in Legionella risk control, opening up further opportunities in safety, compliance, and water systems management.
What is Involved in Delivering This Course?
Centres delivering the Legionella & Water Treatment Course must be approved by LCL Awards and have teachers with relevant industry experience and appropriate teaching experience and or qualifications.
Assessment in the course involves a combination of multiple-choice questions, short written responses, scenario-based exercises, and observed practical tasks.
Centres must adhere to the requirements of the LCL Awards' Approved Centre Quality Management System and the Centre Agreement in delivering the course.
Course delivery is classroom-based taking place over one day. The course is supported by course materials aligned with ACoP L8 and relevant HSE guidance.
Learners complete a written multiple-choice question examination paper to assess their knowledge and understanding.
Centre facilities must provide a suitable learning environment, and provide learner with access to current, regulation-compliant course materials.