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HS&E PLUM practice question: Water systems and legionella (3 of 6)

E. Specialist: Plumbing (JIB) A free question from our original HS&E PLUM practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

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You are running a cold water main through a warm plant room.

What temperature should cold water be kept at, where possible?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Between 20°C and 45°C
  2. B. Exactly 37°C
  3. C. It doesn't matter for cold water
  4. D. Below 20°C
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. That is the range legionella likes.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. That is close to body temperature and helps legionella grow.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Warm cold water lets legionella grow.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says cold water systems should be kept below 20°C where possible.

Explanation

Keep cold water below 20°C, so pipes in warm places may need insulating.

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