Legionella Risk Assessment
Domestic Legionella Risk Assessments are a legal requirement for Landlords in the UK.
Legionella is a form of bacteria commonly found in water systems such as water tanks, pipes and air conditioning units. If left untreated this can lead to Legionnaires’ Disease, which is caused by inhaling small droplets of water containing the bacteria.
The landlord (Duty Holder) is responsible for carrying out Legionella Risk Assessments on residential property. Landlords may face fines or even imprisonment for non-compliance.
Our fully qualified assessors will visit your property, assess and identify the risks and our clients will then receive a fully completed and compliant Legionella Risk Assessment report along with photographic evidence.
The client, by way of having a fully compliant Legionella Risk Assessment report, will not only help keep tenants safe, but, will also demonstrate their compliance within the current legislations in place.
Legionella Risk Assessments FAQs
What is Legionella?
A type of bacterium called legionella is frequently found in water systems, including water tanks, pipes, and air conditioners. Legionnaires’ disease can be brought on by breathing in tiny droplets of water carrying this bacteria.
How does Legionnaires' disease affect people?
People get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in aerosolized water droplets (aerosols) that are suspended in the air and carry the bacteria.
Do I require a Legionella Risk Assessment if I'm a landlord?
Landlords are required to follow the new rules. In addition, they are required by law to guarantee the safety of any visitors and tenants.
Where may I obtain additional information on Legionella?
On their website, the Health and Safety executive has published a guidance. You can find it at this website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires
What do Legionella Risk Assessments serve?
Any dangers in your water system will be found using the risk assessment. If there are any dangers of exposure to legionella, these should be able to be determined by the competent person conducting the assessment.
What should be covered in the assessment?
Included in your Legionella Risk Assessment should be:
- Managerial responsibilities, including a description of your system and the identity of the qualified individual.
- The capability and instruction of critical individuals.
- Any identified sources of possible risk.
- Any methods for reducing the risk or safeguards in place to do so.
- Methods for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance.
- Records of the monitoring data, inspection findings, and checks performed.
- Plans in place to frequently reassess the risk assessment, especially when there is cause to believe it is no longer valid.
Who is qualified to conduct the risk assessment?
The law mandates that a “competent person,” or someone with the qualifications, experience, and expertise needed to manage health and safety, including the control mechanisms, conduct the risk assessment.
If they feel they are qualified, landlords can perform the assessment themselves, or they can hire a specialised contractor to do it for them.
The assessment and management of the legionella risk in your property are entirely your responsibility as the landlord and are subject to your liability. A properly qualified and competent individual with the required knowledge and professional indemnity insurance must conduct the risk assessment in order to safeguard you. If an outbreak occurs on your premises and you conduct your own risk assessment or hire someone who is not qualified to do so, only you will be prosecuted. Safeguard yourself.