Welcome to Legionella Unleashed: What Lurks in Your Water? the podcast where we uncover the hidden dangers lurking in your water systems and offer expert insights to help you stay compliant, informed, and safe. In today’s episode, we turn our focus to one of the most overlooked risks in Legionella control: dead legs unused or abandoned pipework that can silently turn your system into a breeding ground for bacteria.

Join us as we explore:

• What Are Dead Legs? Understand how these stagnant sections of pipework develop, why they pose a serious health risk, and how they are often missed in generic risk assessments.

• Legal Responsibilities in the UK: Learn about your obligations under key regulations like ACoP L8, HSG274, COSHH, and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

• Case Studies That Hit Close to Home: Hear real-world stories, including a care home outbreak that led to fatalities, and how a whistle-blower prevented disaster in a council building.

• How Professionals Detect and Remove the Risk: From thermal imaging and water sampling to chlorination and flushing regimes—discover the tools and techniques that make a difference.

• The Science Behind Legionella Growth: Explore how temperature, biofilm, and aerosolisation create the perfect storm for Legionella, and how modern solutions like remote monitoring and AI-driven risk prediction are changing the game.

• Bigger Lessons in Responsibility and Prevention: Reflect on what it really means to be a dutyholder, and how proactive action can protect both people and reputations.

Whether you're managing a school, care facility, office, or residential property, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights to help you tackle hidden Legionella risks head-on.

At Acorn Safety Services, we specialise in independent Legionella Risk Assessments, consultancy, and tailored water safety solutions. Visit legionellarisks.co.uk for tools, resources, and expert support.

It’s time to turn the tap on awareness. Tune in now to learn how to identify, assess, and eliminate the dangers of dead legs and ensure your water system is safe, compliant, and future-proof.