Discover the key points of RD 487/2022 on Legionella control!
Find out about the new health requirements
If you run a hotel, a gym or any facility with water systems, you have probably already heard about the change in the law. The old Royal Decree 865/2003 is now history.
Note: if your residents’ association has sprinkler irrigation or fire-fighting water systems, it is also obliged to comply.
Since Royal Decree 487/2022 came into force, the rules for preventing and controlling Legionella in Spain have changed dramatically. It is no longer just about “adding chlorine” and signing a piece of paper; the new regulations require a much more technical, preventive and professional approach.
At RapiPlaga, we know that changes in the law can create uncertainty. That is why we have put together this guide to explain what has changed and, most importantly, what you need to do to avoid fines and health risks.
What changes with RD 487/2022? What you need to know
...and why not complying can cost you dearly.
The main aim of the new regulation is to update technical and health knowledge and tighten controls to protect public health. What used to be a recommendation is now, in many cases, a strict obligation.
The most important changes affecting your facility are:
1. The Legionella Prevention and Control Plan (PPCL)
This is the headline change. Every facility must now have a PPCL. The plan must be specific to your facility (no “copy and paste”) and must include initial diagnostics, maintenance programmes, water treatment and sampling.
2. The option of a Legionella Health Plan (PSL)
The regulation introduces the option of following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations through a PSL. It is a more flexible system, but it requires continuous and very detailed risk assessment.
3. Greater responsibility for the owner
The owner of the facility is ultimately responsible for ensuring there are no bacteria in its systems. This means that hiring a cheap service that does not meet quality standards, or that uses equipment with factory defects or poor maintenance, does not let you off the hook. The responsibility lies with you.
Who is affected by the new regulation?
Basically, any facility that uses water in its operation and produces aerosols. This includes, but is not limited to:
Hospitality and tourism: hotels, campsites, spas and heated swimming pools.
Sports facilities: gyms with showers and irrigation systems.
Industry: cooling towers, evaporative condensers and fire-fighting water systems.
Healthcare centres and care homes: hospitals, clinics and nursing homes (considered high risk).
Worth knowing: even if your facility is considered “lower risk”, RD 487/2022 requires you to meet certain cleaning and disinfection requirements that used to be overlooked.
The consequences of not complying (and why the risk is not worth it)
Ignoring RD 487/2022 is not an option for any serious business. The consequences go beyond a simple administrative warning:
Heavy fines: fines for breaching public health rules can run to tens of thousands of euros, especially if negligent maintenance or the absence of a PPCL is detected.
Closure of facilities: the health authority has the power to close your business, or part of your facilities (such as a spa or a cooling tower), as a precaution if it detects a health risk.
Irreparable damage to your reputation: an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease linked to your brand destroys your customers’ trust. In the age of online reviews, safety is non-negotiable.
Avoid common problems: why a flawless technical service matters
At RapiPlaga, we take the reliability of components and processes very seriously:
We use calibrated and verified measuring equipment to avoid reading errors.
Our protocols are designed to detect faults in your facilities before they become a source of infection
How does RapiPlaga help you?
You don’t need to become an expert in health legislation; that is what we are here for. We bring your business into line with RD 487/2022 with our Legionella control service in Málaga:
Initial audit: we inspect your facilities to identify critical points.
Drawing up the PPCL: we write your mandatory, tailored plan.
Cleaning and disinfection: with approved products and qualified technicians.
Sampling and analysis: through accredited laboratories, ensuring 100% reliable results.
Not sure whether your facility complies with the new law? Get in touch with us.
Don’t wait for an inspection or a health problem. Prevention is always cheaper than a fine.
