Legionella Management
Your Expert Partner in Legionella Risk Management and ACoP L8 Compliance
Protecting your people, ensuring your legal compliance, and giving you peace of mind.
Controlling the risk from Legionella bacteria in water systems is not just a matter of best practice, it is a fundamental legal duty for all employers, building managers, and landlords across the UK. The consequences of failure can be severe, leading to significant fines, legal action, and, in the worst cases, the potentially fatal outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.
At Water & Air Management, we specialise in Legionella control. Our team of qualified experts is here to help you navigate the complexities of compliance, ensuring your water systems are safe and that you meet all your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8.
Understanding Your Legal Duty of Care
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in man-made water systems where temperatures are between 20-45°C. The infection is spread by inhaling contaminated water droplets (aerosols) from sources like showers, cooling towers, and spa pools.
Under UK law, the “Duty Holder” (the employer or person in control of the premises) has the ultimate responsibility for the health and safety of employees, tenants, and visitors. This duty includes appointing a competent “Responsible Person” to manage the risk from Legionella on a day-to-day basis.
Our Comprehensive Legionella Management Programme
We provide a complete, end-to-end Legionella management service designed to take the burden of compliance off your shoulders. We work as your expert partner to implement a robust control scheme that keeps your water systems safe and provides a full, auditable trail of evidence to demonstrate your due diligence to inspectors.
What Our Legionella Control Programme Includes:
Legionella Risk Assessments
A thorough risk assessment is the mandatory starting point for all Legionella control. Our experts conduct a comprehensive inspection of your premises and water systems to identify and assess all potential risks, providing you with a detailed report and a clear action plan to ensure you are fully ACoP L8 compliant.
Water Hygiene Monitoring
We provide ongoing monitoring programmes tailored to your system’s risk level. This includes regular temperature checks of hot and cold water outlets, inspections of cold water storage tanks, and flushing regimes for infrequently used outlets to prevent stagnation.
UKAS Water Sampling & Analysis
Where required by the risk assessment, we carry out water sampling for independent analysis at a UKAS-accredited laboratory. This provides definitive evidence of the microbiological state of your water system.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Our teams carry out the cleaning and disinfection of all types of water systems, including cold water storage tanks, calorifiers, and pipework, to remove the scale, rust, and biofilm that can provide nutrients for Legionella bacteria.
Remedial Works & System Upgrades
If your risk assessment identifies physical issues with your system, our dedicated team can undertake all necessary remedial works. This includes the replacement or refurbishment of cold water tanks, removal of redundant pipework (“dead legs”), and insulation of pipework to maintain correct temperatures.
Logbook & Data Management
Accurate record-keeping is essential for proving compliance. We provide a complete logging system, either physical or online, to keep track of all Legionella data, monitoring results, and remedial actions, ensuring you are always prepared for an inspection.
The Water & Air Compliance Guarantee
Choosing a partner to manage your Legionella compliance is a decision based on trust. We are proud to be registered and audited members of the Legionella Control Association (LCA), the UK’s leading professional body for the industry. This, along with our Constructionline and SSIP accreditations (CHAS & SafeContractor), gives you the assurance that you are working with a competent and professional organisation committed to the highest standards of service.
Your Legionella Questions Answered
Is a Legionella risk assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the COSHH Regulations, employers and landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria. A risk assessment is the first, essential step in fulfilling this duty.
How often do I need to review my risk assessment?
The HSE’s ACoP L8 states that the risk assessment should be reviewed “regularly” and immediately whenever there is a reason to believe it is no longer valid (e.g., after changes to the water system or building use). The old informal “two-yearly” rule no longer applies, and the review frequency should be based on the level of risk.
Can I do the risk assessment myself?
You can only carry out an assessment yourself if you are competent to do so. This means you must understand water systems, the risks from Legionella, and the necessary control measures. For most commercial or complex properties, it is advisable to use a qualified and experienced professional.
What is a “Responsible Person”?
The “Responsible Person” is a competent individual appointed by the Duty Holder to take day-to-day responsibility for managing and controlling Legionella risk. They must have the authority and knowledge to ensure all procedures are carried out effectively.
Ensure Your Property is Safe and Compliant Today
Don’t leave your legal compliance to chance. Our expert team is ready to provide the support and services you need to manage your Legionella risk effectively, giving you complete peace of mind.
Call 0800 228 9627
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