Sitra addresses the health requirements for the prevention and control of legionellosis

On March 1st, Sitra held a webinar addressing the new features of Royal Decree 487/2022 regarding health requirements for the prevention and control of legionellosis.

Cristina Ferrer, head of the Operation and Maintenance Department at Sitra, offered an overview of the Royal Decree and the basic health requirements applicable to facilities for the prevention and control of legionellosis and, therefore, the protection of human health.

Undoubtedly, scientific and technical advances, experience, and the results of case studies and outbreaks in recent years made it necessary to update Royal Decree 865/2003. Thus, the new regulations—which came into force on January 2, 2023—include improved techniques, new risk management measures, and innovations that will make it possible to carry out greater control of susceptible facilities.

Among the new features introduced by this royal decree is the development of a Control and Prevention Plan and a Health Plan, which will establish critical control points, control measures, verification procedures, and corrective actions. Another point addressed by the new regulations is the accreditation of laboratories for Legionella culture and sample collection using documented procedures. Furthermore, it specifies that culture will remain the reference method, although other methods may be used as supplementary evidence.

It should also be noted that from now on responsibilities are defined not only for the owner of the establishment, but also for manufacturers, installers and external services, and minor and serious infractions will be classified, determining the applicable sanctions.

Finally, it should be noted that the number of sampling points after disinfection is increased, and Legionella analysis becomes quarterly in sanitary water and monthly in cooling circuits.