Don’t Risk It: The Importance of Legionella Risk Assessments
A legionella risk assessment is not just another box to tick – it’s a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 that is designed to help save lives.
Legionella is a bacterium that can often be found in both natural bodies of water and manmade water systems such as spa pools, hot and cold-water systems and humidifiers, to name just a few. If the levels of legionella become too high and the contaminated water is airborne then the water droplets can be inhaled, leading to Legionnaires disease.
Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can cause respiratory failure, shock, multi-organ failure and even death. In fact, one of the many reasons why it needs to be taken so seriously is because it is fatal in around 12% of cases and those who are particularly vulnerable include the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
At Lubron, our team of dedicated experts work to provide reliable, efficient and cost-effective legionella risk assessments that help to ensure the safety of your premises. Here we delve into the importance of legionella management, what is required and how legionella risk assessment companies can help to ensure your property stays safe and compliant.
Understanding Legionella Risks in Buildings
Legionella bacteria thrive in building water systems when specific conditions align, with bacteria capable of multiplying rapidly in temperatures between 20-45°C.
Water systems in buildings create perfect environments for bacterial growth when they contain:
- Stagnant or slowly moving water
- Rust, sludge, or organic matter that provides nutrients
- Biofilms that shelter the bacteria
- Areas that generate water droplets or aerosols
Specifically, the highest risks exist in cooling towers, hot and cold-water systems, and spa pools. Other concerning installations include showers, taps, humidifiers, decorative fountains and water features that create breathable water droplets which can then be inhaled. Consequently, complex water systems in large buildings pose greater risks, as their intricate networks allow bacteria to grow and spread more effectively.
Hotels, hospitals, and office buildings face heightened concerns due to their extensive plumbing networks. These structures often feature multiple water outlets, storage tanks, and circulation systems that can harbour the bacteria if not properly maintained. The presence of scale, rust, or organic matter in these systems provides essential nutrients for bacterial growth, creating ideal conditions for legionella to flourish.
Key Components of a Legionella Risk Assessment
At Lubron, our experienced specialists know that proper execution of a legionella risk assessment is essential and can make all the difference when it comes to a safe and compliant water system.
A typical legionella risk assessment involves a systematic two-pronged approach with the first component focusing on physical inspection, whilst the second encompasses consultation with staff responsible for bacteria control and the verification of management procedures.
A thorough assessment examines these essential areas:
- Evaluation of occupant vulnerability and risk levels
- Documentation of both cold and hot water systems
- Temperature monitoring at water outlets
- Assessment of storage tanks and system components
- Identification of additional risk factors, including dead legs and rarely used outlets
Whilst some people may consider doing their legionella risk assessment themselves, professional services are likely to be much more thorough, reliable and can be extremely cost-effective.
Why Trust Lubron for Legionella Risk Assessments?
- Comprehensive Risk Management
- Full Legal Compliance
- Technical Expertise
Legal Requirements and Compliance
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates strict legal requirements for controlling legionella risks. Primarily, these obligations stem from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
Building owners and those in control of premises must:
- Ensure that regular legionella risk assessments are conducted
- Prepare written control schemes
- Implement and monitor precautions
- Maintain detailed records
- Appoint competent, responsible persons
The assessment should be reviewed whenever there are changes to the water system, building use, or key personnel. Additionally, reviews are necessary if monitoring indicates that control measures are no longer effective or if new information about risks becomes available.
The consequences of non-compliance with safety regulations can be severe and result in substantial penalties, with fines reaching £2 million for organisations failing to protect against legionella risks. In cases where fatalities occur, duty holders may even face charges of corporate manslaughter and imprisonment.
Landlords and property managers should maintain comprehensive documentation of all assessments and control measures, retaining records for a minimum of two years and monitoring data for at least five years.
Establishing a robust compliance framework protects both the occupant’s health and your organisation from legal repercussions. If you want to find out more about how the experts at Lubron can help your business with professional legionella risk assessment services, then please get in touch.