What is the L8 Approved Code of Practice? (ACOP)
The L8 Approved Code of Practice applies to the control of Legionella bacteria in any undertaking involving a work activity. It also applies to premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking where water is used, stored and there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria (L8 ACOP, paragraph 22).
The ACOP L8 regulations state that a sufficient risk assessment is the first step in Legionnaires’ Disease prevention. The objective is clear that a Legionella Risk Assessment should seek to identify all water systems were Legionella bacteria could potentially grow. It also requires that an assessment of risk to people being exposed to contaminated aerosols as a result of this.
All water systems should be taken into consideration as part of the Legionella Risk Assessment. However, there are some aspects which are highlighted in the ACOP L8 Code of Practice as higher risk. These include:
· Hot & Cold water systems
· Cooling water systems, cooling towers and evaporative condensers
· Spa pools
· Spray humidifiers, misters, air washers and wet scrubbers
· Safety showers, sprinklers, vehicle wash systems
· Fountains and water features
· Any other system containing water in which Legionella could grow and be released in aerosol droplets
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