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 |