The Legionella risk assessment is a legal requirement* and is the starting point of a plan for controlling the risk of Legionellosis**.
The risk assessment could be described as both a building survey and an audit: moving the building in the direction of being physically safer and the business towards legal compliance.
Overview
The risk assessment could be described as both a building survey and an audit. The risk assessor will need access and probably escorting to all areas of the building which contain water, this would mean everywhere that there are taps etc. and also areas where pipework passes through.
There are a number of things which contribute to Legionella risk; in simple terms the level of aerosol (spray) has an impact ie. buildings with lots of showers can be higher risk than those without, exposure levels also have an impact. Of course the ability of Legionella bacteria to grow is a huge factor and this is based on such things as water temperatures, contaminants such as scale or corrosion (rust) and any areas where water use is limited or outlets are not used.
In addition to this any arrangements to manage the risk will need to be audited – this would include things like training records, disinfections, temperature checks and management nominations (amongst other things).
Typical Findings
There are a number of things which may be flagged up as issues in the risk assessment; below are some common examples:
• Scaled shower heads
• Cold water temperatures elevated over 20°C
• Areas of low water use
• Any potential safety issues
• Cold water storage tanks in poor condition
Having known and worked with Duncan for over 10 years, he carried out risk assessments across a large number and wide range of properties, producing accurate reports and schematics, whilst working well with site staff to ensure the work was undertaken on time and to a very high standard.
David Renshaw, City of London Corporation
Implementation & Compliance
Once you have the risk assessment report there will be a number of recommendations or actions. Some will be based on legal duties or may be guidance/best practice. Completing the recommendations will both move the building in the direction of being physically safer and also move the business towards legal compliance.
In short by completing all the actions you should have:
• Nominated responsibilities
• Put together a scheme of precautions (plan) for controlling the risk
• Implemented the plan and completed various monitoring checks
• Kept records of all these
• Made sure that everyone involved is competent
Working with Duncan has always proved to be easy. Speed of response and delivery of projects is always 100% – it’s so reassuring to be able to have complete faith in a supplier. Would highly recommend. Have provided Legionella Risk Assessment and some really superb training programmes. A smooth, easy partnership.
Jo Cameron, Bureau Veritas
*under both the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
**under the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice L8 ed. 4 2013
