Legionella risk assessment
A Legionella risk assessment is required in the UK to help prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in water systems, which can lead to Legionnaires' disease—a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that employers and those in control of premises must take appropriate steps to manage and control the risks associated with Legionella.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, duty holders (such as employers, landlords, or building owners) are legally obligated to ensure the safety of their water systems. This includes identifying and assessing the risks of Legionella exposure and implementing measures to control or minimize those risks.
The HSE's Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L8) specifically outlines the steps to assess and control the risks of Legionella.
As a Certified City and Guilds qualified Legionella Risk Assessor, Allow AAA Risk Assessments keep your business compliant and the occupants safe from risk.
Key Components of our Legionella Risk Assessment
At AAA Risk Solutions, our Legionella Risk Assessments are meticulously structured and provided in a clear PDF format to the business owner upon completion of the assessment. Within the document, you will find a structured legionella risk assessment, tailored to your building. We provide assessments to healthcare and non-healthcare establishments. The key components include
Survey all water systems including hot and cold water, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, storage tanks, showers, taps, outlets, spa pools, air conditioning, and humidifiers.
Assessment of Risk Factors Identifying conditions that promote Legionella growth, such as Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, stagnant water or low usage points, presence of biofilm, scale, or sediment and inadequate disinfection or water treatment
Review of Current Control Measures, evaluating existing water management procedures, including temperature monitoring and control, regular flushing of outlets, use of biocides or chemical treatments and maintenance of water storage tanks and pipework
Assessment of At-Risk Individuals, identifying vulnerable groups (e.g., elderly, immunocompromised individuals, healthcare or care home residents) who may be more susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease.
Water Temperature Monitoring, checking that hot water is stored at ≥60°C and delivered at ≥50°C and ensuring cold water remains below 20°C to prevent Legionella growth.
Conducting water sampling and laboratory analysis to detect Legionella bacteria (if deemed necessary by the risk assessment).
Providing a detailed risk assessment report with findings and recommendations.
Ensuring compliance with The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and Approved Code of Practice L8 & HSG274 guidance.
Upon the competition of a AAA Risk Solutions Legionella Risk Assessment, we aim to provide continuous support to your business ensuring that you are kept updated with changes in legislation and the introduction of new laws which may affect the overall water safety of your premises.