The Acop L8(4th edition) is the legislative document covering the control of legionella in the UK. This document is supported by the HSG274 guidance document.
What is legionella?
Legionella is the bacteria which causes legionnaire’s disease and is found in natural environments such as lakes & rivers, but when it enters a man-made water system (such as a hot & cold water system) the conditions of this system can offer the opportunity for this bacteria to rapidly proliferate (grow). When this bacteria is turned into an aerosol (such as a shower) then susceptible people can be exposed to this which can cause potentially fatal illness. Risks and conditions which can cause people to exposed to legionella bacteria include
- Temperature between 20c-45c
- Dirt & debris in your system(s) or other sources of nutrients
- Areas of infrequent use or stagnation
- Aerosol production (showers, spray outlets)
What is a legionella risk assessment?
Once the scope of the assessment has been agreed, we will send a qualified and experienced legionella risk assessor to your business premises. The assessor will need to meet with the building manager or responsible person and will need to inspect any previous legionella risk assessment you may have, and any legionella monitoring log book. They will also need to check competency of staff which will involve inspecting training records they have. Our assessor will also need to find out about the types of people using the building such as general ages of staff, and building users in order to identify if susceptible people are present, and also to provide a risk rating for the report
Once this is complete, then the assessor will need to inspect all of the water system(s) in full. This will involve inspection and testing of mains cold water supplies, cold water tanks, water heaters, water features, heating systems and all pipework feeding your taps, baths, sinks, showers and outlets. Temperatures will need to be tested from as many outlets as possible, photographs taken of general observations, and anything considered to be a risk. We commonly identify risks such as dirt and debris In the system (sediment in cold water tanks, scaled taps/showers) infrequently used outlets, temperatures out of range (temperatures between 20-45c favour growth of legionella bacteria) and anything which can contribute to the growth of legionella bacteria.
Our assessor will need access to as many areas of the building and system as possible, which will help with the schematic diagram we will produce for your system(s) as part of the report.
Once the onsite element of the system has been completed and the information gathered, our assessor will then return to the office where he/she will then begin compiling you a full report. Our reports are compliant with the requirements of the Acop L8, HSG274, COSHH & BS8580(2010). Once completed, we will then electronically send you the report and can also post out a hard copy of the assessment in a presentation folder.
We can then help you further with monitoring programmes, training, remedial works and cleaning & disinfection services. Acquiesce Environmental Compliance Ltd is a specialist legionella & water hygiene service company based in the Midlands with nationwide coverage.
How often should a legionella risk assessment be reviewed?
Legionella risk assessments need to be reviewed regularly (on average every 2 years), or if conditions change, such as:
- Changes to building use
- Significant changes to the water system
- Availability of new guidance
Who can carry out a legionella risk assessment?
As an employer, landlord or a person in charge of premises, you have legal requirements to make sure you are conform to your health and safety duties.
Acquiesce Compliance is an accredited legionella control & water treatment company, member of the Legionella Control Association. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to delivering the highest standards of legionella control services.
With years of experience providing risk assessments across Bristol for various sectors and types of buildings, we will make sure you are in compliance with legionella regulations in the UK.
For a quote for a legionella risk assessment in Bristol, please fill in the below form: