Legionella Control
Understanding Legionella
Legionella is a water borne bacteria, which can cause significant pneumonia-related disease, including fatal illnesses, through the inhalation of contaminated small airborne droplets (aerosols). It is common in all water supplies and the risk of exposure to the bacteria will depend on a number of factors including the growth of the organism, production of aerosols and storage water conditions.
There have been several legionella outbreaks in the UK, resulting in hospitalisations and a number of deaths. Therefore it is essential that the risk from legionella is effectively managed and controlled
The main legal requirement for all businesses and those in control of property containing water systems, such as landlords, is that they evaluate the risk of legionella and then prepare and implement a control scheme to minimise this risk. Health and safety law requires that you:
- Protect the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by your activities (Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Sections 2 and 3).
- Assess the risks to the health and safety, including legionella, of employees and others who may be affected (The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3).
- Assess the risk from hazardous substances, including legionella, and then prevent or control exposure (The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH).
This risk assessment process should be documented, implemented and then the control measures monitored and reviewed to ensure that the assessment remains valid, taking account of any changes to your business, work practices and workplaces.
Legionella Risk Assessment
We offer Legionella Risk Assessments which will:
- Look at your organisation’s activities and the risks presented by legionella to your business, people, clients and customers.
- Evaluate compliance with the Approved Code of Practice L8: Legionnaire’s disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems and the current technical guidance HSG 274.
Further Assistance
We can also assist with the following:
- Auditing the effectiveness of risk assessments and control schemes.
- Practical training of key personnel in their roles and responsibilities and how to discharge them.
- Investigation of failures in control measures, positive legionella samples and suspected outbreaks.
Find out more about our Legionella Control Services
Other Services
Health & Safety
High level auditing and progress review, policy development, project management, accident prevention, mentoring and expert witness work in addition to the standard health and safety related risk assessment and compliance programmes.
