LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT in UK

GUIDANCE ON LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE FOR LANDLORDS 

 

We provide Legionnaires check services to property management companies, private landlords, offices & commercial premises. 

Health and safety legislation requires that the landlords carry out Legionella Risk Assessment which cause Legionnaires’ Disease for controlling any identified risk. 

However, most rented premises normally on low due to high turnover of water. It is landlord responsibility to carried risk assessment and introduce control measures to protect the tenants.  

According to Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) legislation which apply to landlords to ensure a duty of care is shown to their tenants. 

 

What is Legionnaires’ Disease? 

 

Legionnaires’ Disease is a pneumonia like illness caused by the Legionella bacteria and can be fatal. The infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria. Obviously, legionaries disease cannot be passed from one person to another. 

Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold water systems. They survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20 – 45°C if the conditions are right. Legionella bacteria definitely killed on the temperatures at 60°C or above. 

 

Landlord Legionella Risk Assessment 

 

Landlords are under a duty to ensure that the risk of exposure to tenants, residents and visitors is properly assessed and controlled. 

The assessment should be a straight forward simple exercise in ordinary domestic premises & more complex in commercial properties. 

The purpose of carrying out a landlord legionella risk assessment is to identify and assess any risks in your water system for example: 

  • Water is stored or circulated as part of your distribution system. 
  • The hot water temperature must be between 50-60 & cold water below 20°C. 
  • Any sign or source of nutrients such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matters. 

It is likely that any of your employees, residents, visitors etc. are more susceptible to infection due to age, illness, a weakened immune system etc. and whether they could be exposed to any contaminated water droplets. 

Provided the landlord legionella risk assessment shows that the risks are insignificant and the control measures are being properly managed no further action would be necessary. It is important to keep the assessment under review periodically in case anything changes to the system. 

We are accredited from Stroma Certification ( https://www.stroma.com) & Kudos Compliance ( http://www.kudoscompliance.co.uk) 

 

Legionella Risk Assessment
Kudos Compliance

Legionella Risk Assessment UK

A Legionella risk assessment UK is a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems. Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever. The risk assessment aims to identify and manage potential sources of Legionella contamination to prevent the spread of the bacteria and protect public health.

Here are the general steps involved in a Legionella risk assessment:

  1. Site survey: A qualified assessor visits the premises to survey the water systems and identify potential sources of Legionella growth and transmission. This includes assessing the design, layout, and condition of the water systems, such as hot and cold water tanks, showers, cooling towers, spas, and other relevant systems.
  2. Hazard identification: The assessor identifies potential hazards and conditions that may promote Legionella growth, such as water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, stagnation, presence of biofilms or scale, and areas with potential aerosol generation.
  3. Risk evaluation: The assessor evaluates the level of risk associated with each identified hazard. This involves considering factors like the likelihood of Legionella colonization, the potential for aerosol generation and inhalation, and the vulnerability of individuals who may be exposed.
  4. Control measures: The assessor reviews the existing control measures in place to manage Legionella risks. This includes assessing maintenance practices, cleaning and disinfection procedures, temperature control measures, water flow management, and record-keeping.
  5. Remedial actions: If significant hazards or deficiencies are identified, the assessor recommends specific remedial actions to mitigate the risks. This may include cleaning and disinfection, removal of dead legs or stagnant areas, implementing water treatment measures, improving temperature control, or modifying the water system design.
  6. Monitoring and records: The assessor provides guidance on implementing a monitoring program to regularly assess the effectiveness of control measures and detect any potential Legionella contamination. This includes recommendations for water sampling and testing, as well as maintaining records of monitoring results and any corrective actions taken.
  7. Documentation: The assessor prepares a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment report that summarizes the findings, identifies risks, recommends control measures, and outlines a plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

It’s important to note that Legionella risk assessment UK should be conducted by competent professionals with expertise in water hygiene and Legionella control. They should have knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines, such as the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 in the UK, which provides detailed guidance on managing the risk of Legionella in water systems.

How much legionella risk assessment cost? 

 

Commercial properties like Dental Practices, Doctor Surgeries, Small & Medium size Offices, Community Centres, Gyms, shops like hairdressers, Baker, Fast Food Shops etc with small water systems cost between £200.00 to £500.00, depending on the water system complexity & assets. 

Larger & typical water system properties like Hotels, Care Homes, Hospitals, Schools etc cost between £500.00 to £1500 again depending on the assets & water distribution system. 

Give us a call on 01442-939006 or 07860 540077 to see how we can help you. 

We also offer a range of other expert services like EPC or Professional Property PhotographyHMO Floor PlanFire Risk AssessmentAsbestos survey and Legionella Risk Assessment for your home. 

 

Areas We Cover:

Legionella risk assessment

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Legionella Risk Assessment Sample Report!