Risk Assessment

Many people are completely unaware of the need for a Legionella Risk Assessment, but it could just save your company’s reputation and help you to avoid prosecution, should the bacteria begin to develop in your water system.

Do You Need A Legionella Risk Assessment?

  • Are you an employer (even of self-employed people) or a person/company in charge of premises of any size (landlord or facilities management company)?
  • Do you have premises of any size where any member of staff has any exposure to water? (The HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 deems premises to mean “any undertaking involving a work activity and to premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking”)
 
If yes, you must arrange:
 
(a) a detailed risk assessment to identify and assess sources of risk,
 
(b) a written scheme to prevent/control the risk of Legionella 
 
(c) implement and manage the written scheme and appoint a person to be managerially responsible for it,
 
(d) keep a log book with detailed records.

I only own a small business with a couple of taps, do I still need a Legionella Risk Assessment?

According to ACOP L8, all employers, business owners and building operators have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect their employees and the public from harm. As a consequence, most businesses and public use buildings require a Legionella Risk Assessment.

While failure to follow the ACOP L8 provisions is not actually an offence, failure to prove that you have properly worked to assess, minimise and control the risk is likely result in prosecution, should a case of Legionnaires’ disease arise from any systems within your premises.

Could there be any other Legionella Risks at my premises?

If there are any other systems found in your premises which may cause a Legionella risk, such as air handling units or cooling towers, we are able to advise you on other assessments, surveys or treatment/maintenance necessary to control the risks.

How much will my Legionella Risk Assessment cost?

Our risk assessment prices depend entirely on the type and size of water systems within your premises. We believe, however, that our prices are exceptionally competitive whilst still ensuring we provide the best quality of service.

According to ACOP L8, your risk assessment will be reviewed when required, unless there is a reason to suspect it is no longer valid, where:

where there have been changes to plant, the water system or its use;

where there have been changes to the use of the building;

where new information about risk or control measures has become available;

where monitoring indicates that control measures are no longer effective.

How long will the work take?

We have dedicated staff who can offer flexibility in times and dates for visits to your premises, with the intention of causing as little disruption as possible. It is, however, usually possible to conduct a risk assessment during the working day.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to discuss your requirements with us, or even if you would like to find out if you need a Legionella Risk Assessment, please feel free to give us a call on 01698 642 643 / 07715 554820 or click here to send an email – we are here to help.

Information Sources on HSE website

If you would like to find out more about your responsibilities surrounding the control and prevention of Legionella, you may find these government documents helpful, click on the buttons below and they will redirect.

HSE Cost Recovery Scheme

Click here to find out more.

If your organisation is responsible for a material breach in health and safety laws, the HSE may recover its costs from you by charging a fee for the time it spends investigating, helping you to put the matter right and taking enforcement action.