No items found.
When it comes to Legionella risk assessments, how often you need them can vary. In its Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that “You need to review the [Legionella risk] assessment regularly and specifically when there is reason to believe that the original risk assessment may no longer be valid.”
How often ‘regularly’ is may vary depending on the specific nature of your premises. In this guide, we are going to help you determine your Legionella risk assessment frequency based on your circumstances and what you need to do to stay compliant.
Read on to learn more, or to speak directly to a water hygiene expert, call us now on 0800 358 1100.
So, how often should a Legionella risk assessment be reviewed? As mentioned, ACOP L8 states that Legionella risk assessments should be reviewed ‘regularly’ or after any changes to the water system. You can find more information about ACOP L8 in our guide.
‘Regularly’ might vary based on your site and how it is used. Properties with more complex water networks or systems that are more likely to produce water vapour, such as spas and showers, will need to have their risk assessments reviewed at a higher frequency.
The table includes some suggested risk assessment frequencies as well as monitoring and control measures based on site use. These are only rough guides; to get an accurate Legionella risk assessment frequency based on your exact premises, you should consult a trusted Legionella testing company.
The requirement to control the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems is laid out in a series of legislation and regulations, including:
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
The best way to ensure compliance with all of these is to adhere to the guidance given in ACOP L8. ACOP is not legally binding, but it is accepted by the HSE and other regulatory bodies as sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the law.
As we have covered, when it comes to Legionella risk assessment, how often they need to be conducted varies based on the site and how it’s used. But risk assessments are just one part of Legionella control.
To be compliant, you must also:
• Appoint a responsible person
• Implement and uphold a control scheme
• Regularly review the control measures
• Conduct Legionella testing if necessary
Details of how to prevent Legionella growth in water systems are laid out in HSG274.
Water testing in Shropshire
Water testing in South Wales
Water testing in Hereford
Water testing in the West Midlands
Water testing in Worcester
Water testing in Gloucester
Water testing in Manchester
Water testing in Liverpool
