Legionellosis is a topic that many hoteliers are familiar with by name.
However, few business owners truly understand the implications this can have for their establishment.
And that’s understandable, since legionellosis remains an invisible risk.
Unlike a breakdown or malfunction, there is no way to detect it with the naked eye.
However, the consequences can be significant:
- health risk to customers
- impact on operations
- action by health authorities
- damage to the institution's reputation
That is why hotels with central domestic hot water systems are subject to several monitoring requirements.
The goal, therefore, is simple: to limit the conditions that promote the growth of Legionella.
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling water microdroplets contaminated with bacteria called Legionella.
These bacteria may occur naturally in water.
The risk arises when they multiply in certain systems.
The most sensitive environments include: domestic hot water systems, showers, faucets, hot tubs, and equipment that generates aerosols.
Contamination does not occur from drinking the water.
It occurs primarily through the inhalation of fine droplets of contaminated water.
Why are hotels particularly affected?
Every day, hotels welcome large numbers of people who use showers, bathrooms, restroom facilities, and wellness areas.
They also often have:
- complex water systems
- many rooms
- water sources that are sometimes rarely used
- with varying periods of occupancy
These characteristics can contribute to certain high-risk conditions, such as standing water, inappropriate temperatures, and a lack of circulation within the system.
That is why prevention is a major challenge for farmers.
What are hotels' obligations regarding the risk of Legionella?
Operators must implement a monitoring system to ensure effective control of their domestic hot water system.
The goal is not simply to react to a problem.
It is to prevent it from occurring in the first place.
This involves, in particular:
- monitor network temperatures
- keep the facilities in good condition
- perform certain maintenance tasks
- store tracking information
- implement corrective actions in the event of an anomaly
The institution must be able to demonstrate that these actions are being carried out.
Why is water temperature so important?
Temperature is one of the key indicators of risk management.
An unbalanced or inadequately monitored system can promote bacterial growth.
That is why monitoring temperatures is one of the essential preventive measures.
Beyond the regulatory aspect, this oversight makes it possible to:
- identify certain abuses
- identify anomalies
- check that the equipment is operating properly
Temperature thus becomes an indicator of the network's health.
The Health Record: An Essential Document
Many farmers focus on the actions they have taken.
But in the event of an inspection, they must also be able to demonstrate what has been done.
That is the purpose of the health record.
It includes, in particular:
- temperature readings
- the analyses conducted
- maintenance operations
- corrective actions
- Special Events
Effective monitoring depends as much on action as it does on traceability.
The Most Common Mistakes in Hotels
Most of the problems observed do not stem from a complete lack of monitoring.
They are often related to incomplete practices.
Some of the most common situations include:
- irregular readings
- scattered data
- lack of a centralized history
- neglected, rarely used water sources
- aberrations detected late
- lack of visibility on the network
These situations increase the risk of losing control over certain sensitive areas.
Why Unoccupied Rooms Deserve Special Attention
In hotels, some rooms may remain unoccupied for several days or several weeks.
This situation can lead to reduced water flow, areas of stagnation, and more complex monitoring.
The more rooms a facility has, the more important it is to have a clear understanding of how the network operates.
The actual occupancy of the building directly affects facility management.
ARS Inspection & Legionellosis: What to Expect?
During an inspection, several items may be examined:
- temperature monitoring
- the analyses conducted
- the health record
- maintenance procedures
- the corrective actions implemented
The goal is not merely to verify compliance.
It is also to assess the facility’s ability to maintain long-term control over its operations.
Hotels that have a clear system for tracking their operations generally approach these inspections with much greater confidence.
Why Manual Tracking Quickly Becomes Complex
In a small business, it is often possible to keep track of information manually.
But as the number of rooms and amenities increases:
- The number of statements is increasing
- Papers are piling up
- Historical data becomes difficult to analyze
The risk isn't just wasting time.
It's also the risk of failing to notice a problem developing.
How can we improve water system monitoring?
Today, the most advanced institutions are seeking to increase their visibility.
Their goal:
- centralize data
- log the measurements
- quickly detect anomalies
- facilitate traceability
This approach allows teams to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on building operations.
It also helps ensure compliance with health inspection requirements.
Adopt a preventive approach
Legionellosis is a major health concern for hotels.
Although the risk may not be apparent in day-to-day operations, its consequences can be significant for both guests and the hotel.
That is why operators must adopt a preventive approach based on:
- network monitoring
- temperature monitoring
- facility maintenance
- traceability of actions taken
Hotels that have a clear understanding of their facilities are generally the ones that manage their health risks most effectively.
Is your water system really under control?
Temperature monitoring, traceability, deviation detection…
Preventing Legionella risk depends first and foremost on having a clear view of the systems within your hotels.
In addition to ensuring the health and safety of your customers, adopting a preventive approach will also allow you to prepare for inspections by the ARS.
Ewattch helps you streamline health monitoring at your facility with our solution tailored to the hospitality industry.
