Proposed Legislative Amendment on Legionella: What’s Happening and What Can You Expect?

Background of the amendment

Under current regulations, sampling tests for all Legionella species. However, epidemiological research shows that (as far as is known) the majority of Legionnaires’ disease cases are caused by Legionella pneumophila. This has led to a reassessment of the current standards and monitoring requirements.

Current Status

The change has not yet been definitively implemented. Discussions are currently underway, and various aspects are still under development.

As long as these conditions have not yet been fully met, the current laws and regulations remain in effect.

What Might Change?

The proposed change focuses on a more risk-based approach, in which:

• The emphasis will be on detecting Legionella pneumophila
• Standards may be specifically linked to this strain
• Less emphasis will be placed on other Legionella species that pose a low health risk
• The scope of priority systems—such as residential care facilities—will be reevaluated
• Current documentation for preparing a risk analysis and Legionella control plan will be refined based on evolving scientific insights into risks in systems

For a large proportion of priority systems (such as hotels, campgrounds, and swimming pools), this could mean that sampling and assessment procedures will be organized differently. For high-risk environments, such as hospitals, a broader approach remains necessary.