Topic
Potable-Water Hygiene
Water hygiene, potable-water contamination and legionella risks.
Documents
- 2025Nov
Water Management
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ potable-water arrangements and legionella controls. It covers system-wide risk assessment, written control schemes, hose disinfection, biocide dosing and chemical and microbiological monitoring. Success criteria, performance scoring and enforcement expectations support inspectors’ judgements on legal compliance and occupational health protection.
- 202123 Feb
Sludge accumulation in fresh water tank
An inspection revealed significant sludge in a fresh water tank, which the member attributed to water obtained from port. The flash highlights potential bacterial health hazards and describes inspection intervals, subsequent maintenance and hose disinfection using residual free chlorine, with a standing period of at least one hour.
- 2020Sep
Guidelines for Environmental Health for Offshore Installations
This addendum addresses potable-water management on offshore installations, including normally unmanned assets. It covers storage, bunkering, disinfection, Legionella control, sampling and emergency recovery. Chemical treatment, ultraviolet disinfection and pasteurisation are distinguished, alongside laboratory and field testing, written control schemes, competence assurance and management of change.
- 201818 Dec
Suspected case of Legionella onboard vessel
Two severe pneumonia cases on a survey vessel prompted suspected Legionella investigations, medical evacuation and testing of all personnel. Cabin and ventilation cleaning, water-tank treatment and quarterly shower-head chlorination were arranged. Subsequent medical results identified acute respiratory infection rather than Legionella, with no confirmed Legionella disease onboard.
- 201715 Dec
Two cases of contaminated drinking water
Two incidents concern bacterial contamination in vessel fresh-water systems and office drinking water. Testing identified increased bacterial counts, while inspections and enquiries found neglected cleaning of tanks, dispensers and pumps. Actions included changing the drinking-water supplier, cleaning equipment, recommending scheduled cleaning and tank inspections, and avoiding reuse of drinking-water bottles.
- 201711 May
Freedom Industries Chemical Release
Investigates the Freedom Industries chemical spill in Charleston, West Virginia, where internal tank-floor pitting corrosion released a mixture into the Elk River and public water supply. Examines deteriorated secondary containment, inspection deficiencies, treatment limitations, water testing, emergency communication and regulatory gaps, with recommendations for source-water protection and contamination response.
- 2013Nov
Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems
This Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance address legionella risks in water systems. They explain dutyholder responsibilities, whole-system risk assessment, competence and written control schemes. Prevention addresses bacterial proliferation and aerosol exposure, supported by maintenance, water-quality testing, interpretation of results and retention of monitoring records.
- 201219 Sep
Management of the risks from legionella within water systems
HSE alerts employers to legionella risks in water systems other than cooling towers and evaporative condensers. It requires risk assessment and, where risks exist, a proportionate control scheme, monitoring, records and periodic review. It emphasises competent personnel, defined responsibilities and specialist assistance where internal expertise is insufficient.
- 201227 Jul
Management of the risks from legionella in cooling towers and evaporative condensers
HSE alerts operators of cooling towers and evaporative condensers to recurring weaknesses in legionella risk control identified through a review of UK outbreaks. It emphasises site-specific control schemes, regular cleaning, chemical and biological monitoring, specialist interpretation of results, competent personnel and clear contractor responsibilities, with senior management oversight.
- 2011Jul
OCE15 - Potable water and legionella control
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on preventing potable-water contamination and legionella exposure. It addresses system design, temperature control, bunkering-hose hygiene, automated biocide dosing and scheduled water testing. Tank cleaning precautions, respiratory protection, chemical handling, maintenance records, dermatitis surveillance and worker training are also covered.
- Undated
Gas Entered Platform Fresh-Water Supply During Well Washing
Investigation of gas entering a platform’s fresh-water supply during well washing, prompting suspension of production and crew muster. The report identifies a connected high-pressure water pump and leaking regulator, describes isolation and check-valve testing and replacement, and records provision of an independent water source for the pump.