Legionella Risk Assessment

A Legionella Risk Assessment is the responsibility of employers and those in charge of premises. This also applies to Landlords.

The legionella bacteria in water systems can lead to Legionnaires’ disease:

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Our experienced engineers carry out Legionella Risk Assessments on your behalf. We supply a complete, easy to understand professional report aimed at directors and management alike giving the complete legionnaires risk assessment service.

The first course of action taken by us is to address the risk of legionnaires disease, and to undertake a legionnaires risk assessment. This would include a review of the systems in place, the installation and whether there are items which could be improved to reduce legionella risk. We check how appropriate the maintenance procedures are. Once done we would produce procedures for the installation where required.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure that employees and visitors to their premises operate in a safe environment. European and UK legislation exists to protect workers and ensure acceptable levels of air and water hygiene. The European Communities Workplace Directive is implemented in the UK by the workplace HEALTH, SAFETY and WELFARE REGULATIONS 1992.

The Health and Safety Commissions Approved code of practice and guidance L24, HMSO 1992, states that “mechanical ventilation systems, including air conditioning systems, should be regularly cleaned, tested and maintained to ensure they are kept clean and free from anything which may contaminate the air.”

All staff responsible for maintenance of relevant systems need to be suitably trained or instructed how to minimise the risk of legionella growth and any precautions necessary when maintaining particular systems. A structured programme of maintenance, testing, inspection and disinfection is then set in place.

Our legionnaires risk assessment will consider installation improvements and recommend installation changes such as desertification pumps on hot-water generators. A pragmatic approach is required, and it is not expected that an older system should be replaced due to a small risk. Capital outlay and order of risk should be compared so that a rational approach can be adopted.