In the UK, this type of specialist risk assessment is required by law and is specifically identified by the Health & Safety Executive in their Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”.

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A Legionella Risk Assessment is an essential risk management process and comprises a detailed examination of the risks presented by man-made water systems, and seeks to identify and assess the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease through exposure to legionella bacteria. 

What is Legionella?

The Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems that are not properly maintained and if exposed, can potentially lead to a fatal form of pneumonia. Legionella Risk Assessment will identify and evaluate the potential risks from exposure to Legionella in the water system of a home or commercial property. The assessment will also recommend how to implement control measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of contamination by the Legionella bacteria. Remember that as a landlord, you cannot ignore compliance issues, particularly in relation to Tenant Health and Safety matters.

The Legionella Risk Assessment needs to be completed every two years and prices may vary depending on the size of the property. Please contact Ashworth for a quote. 

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What does a Legionella Risk Assessment include?

Our experienced technicians will undertake the following checks as part of the Legionella Risk Assessment Service:

  • Identify and inspect all water sources in the property, which can include pipes, storage tanks, valves, pumps, filters, taps and heaters.
  • Measure the water temperature at various points in the property, as Legionella bacteria can grow in temperatures between 20-45C.
  • Assess the water flow and usage in the property, to make sure there are no areas with stagnant or infrequent use.
  • Look for signs of corrosion, debris or growth of biofilm in the water system of the property.
  • Check HVAC systems.
  • Take water samples and test for Legionella contamination.

Ashworth technicians will also make recommendations on how to maintain the water system to avoid contamination in the property.

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Reducing the risk of Legionella

There are ways that you can reduce the risk of Legionella contamination in your property's water system. Here are some simple measures:

  • Keep water moving in the property, by flushing the toilets or running the taps on a regular basis.
  • Set the temperature of the water heater or calorifier temperature to at least 60C and monitor this temperature.
  • Keep cold water below 20C.
  • Clean water outlets, such as showerheads and taps regularly.
  • Install water treatment systems such as chlorination, ionisation or UV filtration to kill or stop bacteria growth.
  • Make sure there is no stagnant water in your system.
  • Keep records of any tests.

Vacant properties are at high risk for developing Legionella contamination. Landlords should educate tenants on how they can keep the water system in their home safe. 

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Contact Us

Please contact us and we will work hand-in-hand with you to provide the Reporting Service you need.

 
For more details on all the services we offer and competitive pricing, please contact us on 0208 989 0545 or email [email protected] or use the form provided.

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How can we help?

Legionella FAQ +

What is a Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA)?+

In the UK this type of specialist risk assessment is required by law and is specifically identified by the Health & Safety Executive in their Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”. 

A Legionella Risk Assessment is an essential risk management process and comprises a detailed examination of the risks presented by man-made water systems, and seeks to identify and assess the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease through exposure to legionella bacteria. 

The Legionella Risk Assessment needs to be completed every two years. Prices may vary depending on the size of the property and the number of bathrooms. Call our office for a quote.

We regret that this places yet another burden upon you, the Landlord, but we cannot ignore compliance issues, particularly in relation to Tenant Health and Safety matters.

What change in the law applies to Legionnaires disease and Legionella bacteria?+

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1999 provide guidance including the control of bacteria in water including hot water, cold water, heating and cooling systems. The relevant legislation can be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires

Please contact our office to discuss your requirements.

What is my responsibility as a Landlord?+

Landlords who provide residential accommodation, as the person in control of the premises or responsible for the water systems in their premises, have a legal duty to ensure that the risk of exposure of tenants to legionella is properly assessed and controlled. This duty extends to residents, guests, tenants and customers.