Legionella is a workplace risk that is often overlooked. However, Legionella continues to thrive in the water systems, air conditioning and central heating systems of buildings all over the UK.
Legionella presents a very real risk if your site has a cooling tower or evaporative condenser, wet cooling systems, self-contained hot and cold water systems or spa pools.
Moreover, as many buildings were forced to close temporarily by COVID-19, the risk of Legionella has increased as the reduced use of water systems can lead to an increased build-up of Legionella bacteria.
If you are an employer, a landlord or if you are responsible for the maintenance of a building, you are legally obliged to take the required precautions to reduce the risk to those living or working in your buildings, so far as is reasonably practicable.
This means you need to know how to:
However, you may not have the knowledge or experience to manage the potential threats of Legionella.
If that is the case, we can help.
From a legislative perspective we can conduct an assessment of your water systems, air conditioning and/or central heating systems to confirm you are fully compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and ACOP L8 “The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”.
From a more practical point of view, we will set out a clear plan that outlines the remedial actions that you can take to prevent incidents that can lead to future legal action or reputational damage.
We will also identify any control measures and procedures that need to be revised and introduce hierarchical control measures in line with COSHH Regulation 7(3) so you remain compliant and keep the level of risk of Legionnaire’s Disease as low as reasonably practicable.
Our experienced team of health and safety experts have the specialist expertise to advise on issues related to Legionella.
We have:
If you would like to speak to our legionella expert, Rosie McKay, please contact her by phone on 01302 499055, email rosiemckay@pragmaandassociates.co.uk or use our contact us form for a free initial consultation.
