8th October 2014

New qualifications to help tackle legionella

A new suite of qualifications has been launched to help organisations prevent the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease and the multiplication of legionella bacteria.

Created by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (‘HABC’) in partnership with B & V Water Treatment – the UK’s leading independent water treatment provider – the qualifications are aimed at operatives who need to have an understanding of the disease and the measures necessary to counter it.

The HABC Level 2 Award in Legionella Awareness is split into two pathways covering cooling towers/evaporative condensers and hot and cold water system, and has been designed to aid workers in environments where legionella growth is a risk and to raise awareness of the factors associated with legionella bacteria.

Both pathways cover the health effects of Legionnaires disease, the control measures that should be in place to prevent legionella multiplying to harmful levels, and how organisations can stay compliant with the updated Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8.

A HABC Level 3 Award in Legionella Control for Responsible Persons qualification has also been launched for those either already in the role of responsible person or aspiring to it.

It covers the effects of legionella bacteria on the body including the impact an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease would have on a working site, how to identify and control the risk associated with legionella bacteria, and how legislation and codes of practice can support its control.

It has been designed to enforce the importance of the responsible person with respect to ensuring competence of all operatives on site, in accordance with HSE ACOP L8.  Both qualifications are recognised by the government’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).

HABC Chief Executive, Jason Sprenger, said, ‘Legionella is still a real concern to many organisations and public agencies, so it is vital that staff have the skills and expertise to deal with it. These qualifications will provide workers with the knowledge and expertise needed to prevent the outbreak and spread of Legionnaires disease, and provide reassurance to staff and customers alike’.

Sarah Pallett, Training and Marketing Manager at B & V Water Treatment commented, ‘B & V Water Treatment is proud to have worked with HABC to develop this suite of qualifications in legionella control. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that all staff are suitably trained.

Having trained, knowledgeable staff becomes particularly important when controlling the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and in meeting the regulatory requirements set out in the HSE ACOP L8. These qualifications provide employers with the confidence they need to ensure they are effectively managing the risks associated with legionella’.

The qualifications cost £13 to £16 per learner depending on the number registered, and take just one day to complete.

For more information, go to https://www.highfieldabc.com/Legionella/Default.aspx

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