Legionella Risk Assessments
Legionnaires disease is an aggressive form of pneumonia that can affect human beings. It is contracted by inhaling droplets containing Legionella bacteria.
Legionella bacteria likes to grow in purpose-built water systems which aren’t maintained correctly. Cooling towers and hot and cold water systems are the perfect environment for the bacteria to develop.
Perfect conditions for Legionella bacteria growth include:
- Water temperatures of 20-45 °C
- Stored or re-circulated water
- Areas where sources of nutrients are available (e.g. rust, sludge, scale etc.)
- Outlets that allow water droplets to be produced (e.g. showers)
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 place a duty on employers and owners of commercial buildings, including residential buildings with common areas, to assess the risks posed by their water systems, and to take sufficient action to reduce those risks where possible.
Furthermore, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have developed an Approved Code of Practise (ACoP) to provide guidance on The control of legionella bacteria in water systems.
A Legionella Risk Assessment is the first port of call for identifying the hazards contained within your systems, and developing a plan of action to control the risks.
At Lighthouse, our consultants carry sufficient competencies and qualifications to conduct a Legionella Risk Assessment on your behalf.
Your Legionella risk assessment will cover the following key areas, providing you with a specific plan of action and advice on any remedials necessary to reduce your potential exposures:
- Locations covered by the Assessment
- Legionnaires Disease – What, Where, Why, When, Who, How
- Tank/Vessel/Boiler Asset Register
- Temperature Readings (taken on the day of risk assessment)
- Schematic
- Action Plan and Recommendation of Controls
- Temperature Monitoring Forms (where necessary)