Legionella Risk Assessment

You are required to carry out a legionella risk assessment by law – but it DOESN’T have to be a lengthy or complicated process.

Primary Water Solutions provides user-friendly risk assessment, monitoring and training on all aspects of water hygiene and Legionella control for private, business and public sector buildings.

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What is Legionella disease?

A form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, Legionnaires Disease can affect a wide range of people who inhale legionella bacteria through airborne water droplets. This potentially fatal disease is particularly harmful to those that are ill, smokers, men over 50, young people and the elderly. Exposure to legionella bacteria is usually caused by bacteria found in water systems in domestic areas, spas, pools and evaporative cooling towers. Symptoms include headaches, muscle aches, fever over 40c, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion and coughing which may bring up blood and mucus. If you, a loved one, colleague or friend believe they have been exposed to legionella bacteria, the sooner the diagnosis the shorter the recovery period and prevention of any serious complications in the future.  

 

Although it’s not contagious from person to person, human error can be the root of people being exposed to substances hazardous to health because the right control measures weren’t put in place. For example, if you are the landlord of a residential property, it is your responsibility to assess the water systems of the home and ensure that a legionella risk assessment has been completed. This is a legal requirement for all landlords to control the risk and keep their tenants safe.  

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What is a legionella risk assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a document that looks at the control of legionella bacteria in a number of different scenarios and those held responsible. This includes the likes of landlords and property managers, healthcare organisations and hospitals, as well as large businesses. In essence, the risk assessment is a dedicated survey that takes a comprehensive in-depth look at a building’s water system. It inspects the risks that come with individuals being exposed to the bacteria growth and the environment in which this bacteria could multiply even further.  

 

Depending on the size of the building this can take a few hours when carried out by a professional who will cause as little disruption as possible, and then will produce a detailed report. This complete survey will provide any remedial actions and suggestions to reduce the risk of Legionella forming and spreading. It’s important to view this assessment on a regular basis, especially if changes have been made to the building, the water system itself or to legislation as a whole. There are different clauses part of the risk assessment depending on the use of the building and is particularly important to carry out checks if water has been left stagnant for some time which can increase the risk of bacteria growth.  

To download your free guide on Legionella Risk Assessment CLICK HERE.

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Do I need a legionella risk assessment?

It is essential to have a Legionella Risk Assessment carried out by a professional team such as Primary Water Solutions. This is not only to give you peace of mind, but it’s also your legal duty under health and safety legislation. With regards to businesses, employers, those who lease the premises and duty holders need to be in compliance with the Approved Code of Practice (ACoO L8, HSG 274) under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. You have a statutory duty under health and safety law that your employees and any others who enter your premises and use the facilities are not being exposed to the risk of Legionella.  

 

As for landlords, again it is a legal requirement for you to complete a risk assessment on your property if you are renting out the whole house or just one room within the home. The law is there to protect your tenants, and if you don’t comply by doing a risk assessment then a fine and prosecution could be the consequences. This document should be readily available to estate agents and tenants alike to view so that they are well informed of any measures in place to control the build-up of exposure to legionella and if anything needs to be maintained by those occupying the property.  

Landlord Guidelines for Legionella Risk Assessments

As stated, it is a legal requirement for landlords to carry out a Legionella risk assessment on each and every one of the properties which they rent out. Although not a requirement, it is suggested that you keep a record of all your risk assessments or ongoing remedial works. This is so that you have backed up evidence of historic risk assessments which may be questioned down the line.  

As part of the risk assessment process, testing by a professional company such as Primary Water Solutions may be advised especially if you have more than one property that you need to assess or it is of a complex nature. It’s not however a necessary requirement for a Legionella Risk Assessment to be carried out by a professional team, so if the landlord is competent enough and has an in-depth knowledge of health and safety standards then they are free to complete the property survey. During the assessment, a number of assets will be checked including cylinders, combination boilers, cold water storage tanks, sinks, showers and baths to ensure that they meet all legal requirements. Samples will be taken to check that the levels are safe and the water in your property is of a high standard for your tenants to use.  

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How Often Should I Complete a Legionella Risk Assessment?

There are a number of different options when it comes to how frequently you should carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment on your property. The document itself should be treated as a live asset which is easily accessible so that you can guide the risk management process if any changes occur. This includes alterations made to the water system, if increased levels of bacteria are found and if the water treatment programme fails. For businesses, if key personnel or those responsible for the administration concerned with water systems change or leave, then it’s important to carry out further checks. This is also true for landlords who have new incoming tenants to give them ultimate peace of mind that documentation is up to date and that they are at no risk. Other than these factors, if persons in the property remain consistent alongside the water system itself being the original unit stated in the document, then assessment every 24 months should be sufficient enough. The risk of Legionella Disease is a serious one, therefore it’s vital to keep it at bay whether that’s in a residential home capacity, for businesses or for other buildings such as leisure centres, schools, hospitals and facilities management to keep everyone safe.  

 

 

As for landlords, again it is a legal requirement for you to complete a risk assessment on your property if you are renting out the whole house or just one room within the home. The law is there to protect your tenants, and if you don’t comply by doing a risk assessment then a fine and prosecution could be the consequences. This document should be readily available to estate agents and tenants alike to view so that they are well informed of any measures in place to control the build-up of exposure to legionella and if anything needs to be maintained by those occupying the property.  

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We operate throughout the UK, from Cornwall to Scotland and have fully qualified and experienced consultants based in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and Reading.

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Are there laws and regulations with regard to Legionella?

Yes. It is a legal requirement for businesses to carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as for landlords who are renting out their property.

How do people become ill from Legionella?

Individuals may be exposed to Legionella if the bacteria has grown in water systems and is released as water droplets. It’s important for landlords and business owners to keep an eye on levels in water so that it doesn’t spread further and cause harm. It’s particularly dangerous for smokers, those that are ill, men over 50, the elderly and very young people. Sadly Legionnaire’s disease can be fatal in up to 30% of cases.  

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How long will a Legionella risk assessment take?

Depending on the size of your water system will determine how long the risk assessment will take to complete. For small individual properties, it could take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour, whilst larger and multiple properties which have a vast number of water assets will take more time due to the nature of comprehensive checks that need to be carried out.

Where does Legionella come from?

Legionella bacteria is usually found in outdoor natural environments such as lakes, ponds and rivers. However, it can be identified in small amounts of water within a main supply in a property. It is prone to growing in size if the temperature is between 20-45 degrees centigrade, has been poorly managed, there is the presence of biofilm on the surfaces of water and there are nutrients such as scale, algae and rust that have been found.  

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How do you control Legionella in hot and cold water systems?

Legionella is prone to growth if your water temperature is between 20-45 degrees centigrade. According to HSE guidelines, hot water should be stored at least at 60 degrees centigrade to kill off any bacteria. As for cold systems, it’s important that water doesn’t lay stagnant, therefore regular flushing and keeping pipes running is the most efficient and effective way to solve this and the control of substances hazardous to users.

Why Choose Primary Water Solutions?

Primary Water Solutions are a reputable and well-respected company for Legionella Risk Assessments across the UK. We pride ourselves on carrying out dedicated services depending on your circumstances and provide comprehensive surveys each and every time to ensure that your water system is functioning to its best. From schools and colleges to domestic properties, health centres and NHS hospitals, County Councils, health and safety companies as well as facilities management, we are experts in providing legal documents that take away the hassle of your ongoing checklist. Qualified and fully insured, you can trust our experienced consultants based across the country who put your interests first. From risk assessments to consultancy, training and air analysis hygiene, we provide the full package for a wide range of clients who are searching for a leading and knowledgable team that offers honest advice and in-depth results that address your needs from start to finish.  

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