Who Needs A Legionella Risk Assessment?
If you run a business or you’re in charge of premises then you need a Legionella Risk Assessment. Why? Because Health and Safety law requires that you must take measures to protect employees, residents, visitors and even the general public from the risk of Legionella bacteria.
Do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment if I do not have a shower? Yes, the risk from Legionella bacteria does not just come from showers.
Do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment if I have less than 5 employees? Yes, having less than 5 employees does not remove the requirement for a Legionella Risk Assessment.
Do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment if I only have a small water system? Yes, in 2013 the HSE removed an artificial 300 litre limit meaning that smaller system now come under the requirements of the ACOP L8.
What happens if I do not have a Legionella Risk Assessment? By not having a Legionella Risk Assessment in place you are in breach of Health and Safety law and can face fines or persecution.
How often do I need a Legionella Risk Assessment? There is no set frequency for carrying out a Legionella Risk Assessment. The assessment frequency is based on the level of risk. British Standards BS 8580-1 is referenced by the HSE's ACOP L8. It recommends that for sites that have an increased risk (such as healthcare sites) or a high risk a risk assessment is carried out at least annually. Where the risk is low an assessment needs to be carried out at least once every 5 years. A new risk assessment is also required when there is a material change or there is reason to suspect the assessment is no longer valid.
Do I need to test for Legionella bacteria? There is no automatic requirement to test for Legionella bacteria. Both the HSE’s ACOP L8 and the Department of Health’s HTM 04-01 recommend testing where there is doubt or concern over the risk of Legionella bacteria. It is the Legionella Risk Assessment and ongoing control measures that identify the need for Legionella testing. And testing for Legionella bacteria without having a risk assessment in place can still leave you liable to fines and prosecution.