Are you aware of your responsibilities surrounding legionella? This pathogenic bacteria can multiply rapidly in water and can cause harmful diseases and death.
Failing to control legionella risk breaks health and safety regulations and organisations doing so will face severe consequences. In addition to damage to your reputation, you will face large fines, sentencing and possible imprisonment.
Persons can be prosecuted where it is clear that risks are not being managed - whether or not there has been any illness.
The law states that all duty holders, including employers and landlords, must understand the danger that legionella poses to human and must control these risks.
Among the legislative documents that cover legionella are:
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The HSE's guidance recommends:
- appointment of a competent and informed individual to be responsible for legionella compliance
- identification and assessment of sources of risk
- production of a written plan for risk prevention and management
- implementation, management and monitoring of this plan
- recording of all precautions, assessments and methods used
How we can help
Keeping legionella at bay is not an easy task and requires comprehensive understanding of the bacteria and methods of controlling/preventing it as well as thorough understanding of the particular building structure and the property water services.
Commissioning an experienced, fully qualified and accredited facilities management company to assess and advise you on your legionella risk management is a cost-effective way of ensuring continued compliance.
At UK National, we have extensive expertise in providing full risk assessments to a wide range of different organisations covering many different building types.
We can advise on effective control and prevention of legionella, and ensure the essential routine maintenance tasks required are carried out in compliance with legislation.
Our services are cost-effective and we are proud to offer comprehensive advice on all areas of water management.
