LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT
What are your Legal Requirements?
Building owners are responsible for their work premises under Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (sections 2, 3, 4 & 6), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (Regulations 6,7,8,9 &12) and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to protect the health and safety of not only their employees but for all those who are at risk including members of public.
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 is a guideline document for the prevention and control of legionellosis in water systems and has a special legal status by which the employer can be prosecuted, fined or even imprisoned, if it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of the Code.
- It requires that landlords and employers must carry out ‘a suitable and sufficient assessment’ to assess the risk of exposure to Legionella from workplace activities and water systems on the premises. In practice, this means you must;
- Identify and assess the risks. Look for water stored between temperatures between 20°C and 45°C. This includes installations such as showers that can distribute droplets of water.
- Prepare a scheme to prevent or control the risk.
- Nominate a responsible person to manage the scheme and keep records.
How Can We Help?
Every year, Total Environmental Compliance carries out hundreds of Legionella risk assessments across all sectors. Our consultants have a wealth of experience conducting Legionella risk assessments, risk assessment reviews and management reviews across all industry sectors. Our assessments are conducted in line with Legionnaires’ disease the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (L8), Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations, as well as the technical guidelines set in the HSG 274 documents parts 1,2 and 3.
What does our risk assessment include?
Our risk assessment follows the guidance set out in BSEN 8580:2010 which gives recommendations on the assessment of the risk of legionellosis presented by artificial water systems. The assessment will conclude on the condition of plant and advise you of any remediation necessary in order to reduce the risk from Legionella bacteria.
Our risk assessments include:
- A clear executive summary outlining the risks associated with your premises
- A bespoke management plan for improvement and risk reduction
- A full inspection of your water systems (conditions of cold water cisterns, hot water plants, spray producing devices, cooling towers and other plants.)
- A temperature profile of the premises
- Schematic diagrams
- An asset register
- Description of your water services
- Photographic evidence
- An audit of site management, written scheme procedures and records.
- An analysis of your training competencies
Achieve Total Compliance
Get in touch with us today to discuss all your Legionella, water hygiene and water safety requirements.
In my capacity as M&E Surveyor, with responsibility for Water Hygiene, I have found Total Environmental Compliance (TEC) to be a responsible, organised and compliant company. During the 10 year partnership they have had with One Housing Group, we have found all staff and engineers to be knowledgeable, polite and have not received a single complaint. Our dedicated Client Manager makes this contract a pleasure to run, as she is aware of all aspects of the contract and our requirements. They have continually high KPI scores and met all SLA’s, which are quite high.
We look forward to working with TEC for the foreseeable future.
- Peter Gardener – M&E Surveyor