Health & Safety Law

The Health and Safety at Work Act etc (1974) extends to the control of Legionella bacteria within the UK which may arise from work activities and to premises controlled in connection with a business. These include the following:

• Water systems incorporating a cooling tower.
• Water systems incorporating an evaporative condenser.
• Hot and cold water systems.
• Other plant systems containing water which is likely to exceed 20°C and which may release a spray or aerosol during operation or when being maintained. This also includes showers / taps etc.

Legionella Risk Assessments

Under health and safety law, you must assess the risks from legionella bacteria that may affect your staff / residents or members of the public and take suitable precautions to reduce all risks to a minimum. This process is known as legionella risk assessment.

As an employer or a person in control of the premises (e.g. a landlord), you must:

• Identify and assess sources of legionella bacteria risk.
• Prepare a scheme, (or course of action), for preventing or controlling the risk of legionella within your premises.
• Implement and manage the legionella control scheme.
• Appoint a person to be responsible for your legionella testing, design and management of your action or management plan.
• Keep records and check that precautionary systems are effective, (continued legionella monitoring).
• If appropriate, notify the local authority that you have a cooling tower(s) on site.

The introduction and use of the legionella risk management will provide peace of mind knowing that all your staff and customers are safe from potential serious harm.