Legionella Risk Assessment

How good is your current Legionella risk assessment? Is it current and up to date?
These are essential questions to ask in order to fully comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the COSHH regulations 2002. Without a current high quality Legionella risk assessment you are at risk of criticism and prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive.

A good quality Legionella risk assessment should provide the following:
• A management assessment to determine if site staff have adequate knowledge and experience to understand and manage the risks of Legionella exposure.
• A management and communication structure to control Legionella exposure within the company
• A detailed and accurate schematic drawing of the water system to include the following:
• All pipe work including dead and redundant pipe work
• All assets from water storage tanks to wash hand basins
• Source and direction of water flow to assets
• Valves and instrumentation on the system
• Any chemical/biocide dosing systems present on the system
• Where visible, pipe material and size
• Any area of non-conformance, with details
• A detailed assessment of all assets associated with the system, eg.:
• Water storage tanks
• Hot water storage vessels/heaters
• Showers and sinks
• Process systems
• Fire suppression systems
• All other systems
• An assessment of water system usage An assessment of the type and number of people likely to be exposed to the water systems
• A priority based list of remedial work required to comply with legislation
• A detailed control scheme for the on going control of Legionella exposure
• Photographs of the systems under review with specific emphasis on any systems posing a high risk of Legionella exposure

To provide this service to members, CODE has teamed up with Water Hygiene Solutions who provide a professional economic solution to water safety. Water Hygiene Solutions are a member of the Legionella Control Association and provide a full consultancy and solutions package from source to outlet. With highly experienced staff, including a PhD qualified microbiologist, and with all operatives holding the City and Guilds qualification in Legionella Risk Assessment. Dental practices will be surveyed according to ACOP L8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I even need a Legionella risk assessment?


All employers, business owners and building operators have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect the public from harm. Without a Legionella risk assessment the risks are unknown and cannot therefore be controlled. As such most businesses and public use buildings require a Legionella risk assessment.

Can't I get a cheap generic Legionella risk assessment?


Generic template driven Legionella risk assessments provide little information relating to the site specific Legionella risk. They are often very basic and do not provide detailed schematic drawings and do not take into account asset position and usage, both extremely important in the assessment of risk. Well frequented showers placed at the start of a high use water supply pose significantly lower risk than an unused shower sited at the end of an infrequently used water system.
Generic risk assessments use statements such as:
"Little used taps are flushed regularly"
This is a generic statement, gives no specific information and may lead to certain taps being missed, resulting in an ongoing increase in risk.

Can't I just blame the Legionella risk assessor?


Unfortunately not! The person responsible for the physical water system is responsible for control of Legionella. It is THEIR responsibility to ensure that contractors are competent and provide a full and competent service. In the event of a Legionella outbreak THEY would be prosecuted for failing to control the Legionella risk.

How the CODE Legionella risk assessments differ

All our Legionella risk assessment staff are City & Guilds qualified in Legionella Risk Assessment with a minimum 2 years experience in the industry We have a consultant microbiologist (PhD qualified) to discuss any complex Legionella risk systems or areas of concern Our staff attend site and spend time discussing the current management structure and identify any further training needs or changes required to ensure the Legionella risk can be managed on an ongoing basis. Our staff examine and assess all aspects of the water systems on site and provide detailed reports on condition and Legionella risk Detailed and specific information is provided on any remedial work or modification required to upgrade the system to current regulations.

Please call 01409 254 354 or email CODE if you would like to book any Legionella Managements Services or buy air conditioning tablets. You can read more about CODE Legionella Management here.

All prices are exclusive of VAT, for fees to non-members please contact the CODE office.