Legionella Overview
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a life-threatening bacterium which can be present in most environments where there is both natural and man-made water systems. The most common sources of infection are evaporative cooling systems, showers, taps, and spa baths.
Reasons for Control of Legionella Bacteria
There is a growing need for building owners and managers to understand their duties and responsibilities as a legal requirement to identify and control the risk to building occupiers.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, there is a requirement for the duty holder to carry out, or arrange for a risk assessment to identify if Legionella bacteria could multiply within water systems.
If there is an identified risk, then a Competent Responsible Person should be appointed to implement and manage a Written Scheme to control the risk. This written scheme should be managed to the minimum standard of the Approved Code of Practice L8( ACoP L8) within HSG 274, or Health Technical Memorandum( HTM) 04-01.
Where a risk has been identified under ACoP L8 guidance, the Duty Holder is required to:
• Identify / assess the risks associated with the type of systems they manage
• Appoint a person to have managerial oversight-‘ Competent Responsible Person’
• Prepare a written scheme to ensure that the risks are controlled and carry out checks in accordance with the scheme
• Ensure anyone involved in the control is competent and trained
Who is at Risk?
45 Years + |
Smokers |
Lung Disease |
Heavy Drinkers |
Immune Deficiency |
Heart Disease |
Diabetes |
Kidney Disease |