It is a legal requirement to carry out a legionella assessment of water services in any work place or business-connected premise! Failure to carry out a legionella assessment could leave you exposed to the risk of litigation and potential prosecution. If you would like to book your Legionella risk assessment, contact us
The Health and Safety Executive is the Enforcing Body. They will undertake any prosecution under the relevant legislation regarding legionella infection.
Whether you are in a rented, services, or manager office there is still a legal obligation, as the employer, to protect employees.
Why do you need a Legionella Assessment?
Legionellosis is a very old disease and one that few people are aware of. Although its name may be unfamiliar, legionnaires’ disease is more common than many people realise. Whilst the disease is not contagious, or spread through drinking infected water, it can be spread by inhaling droplets that allow bacteria to reach the lungs directly.
This means that many people could unknowingly contract the disease. In its most serious form; Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal.
Legionella bacteria can multiply at a rapid rate. This is particularly the case in complex water systems. This is why larger public buildings are especially at risk of this bacteria presenting itself.
Legionnaires disease presents itself in the form of flu-like systems. This means it is difficult to diagnose and is often missed. Water vapour can appear and be inhaled from sources such as showers, hot tubs, taps and air conditioning units.
With the bacteria being present in all these water sources, it makes it easy to infect multiple people all at once. It also means that frequent exposure can occur. With frequent exposure to legionella bacteria, the more severe the symptoms can become.
What does the assessement cover?
A legionella assessment identifies the pipework and individual assets that make up the water system. This includes taps, showers and water tanks. These assets are then evaluated to identify the risks associated with each element. The legionella assessment is reviewed at least every two years. Unless there has been a change to the system or in management/responsible person.
There are further pieces of technical guidance and support documentation, although not all may apply to your business. These include:
Legionnaires’ disease tends to affect:
For further information or to book your Legionella assessment, contact us at Walker Health and Safety Services.
