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Legionella

Legionella is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for health conditions collectively referred to as legionellosis, including the serious, potentially fatal flu-like condition Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella risk identification and control in residential and commercial premises is essential.

Legionella

Legionella Risk Assessment Sussex

Where does it occur?

The bacteria occurs naturally in aquatic environments including rivers, lakes and ponds. Usually at low concentrations, but has also been found in soil and potting composts.

It becomes problematic when it enters engineered water systems. As under these conditions, it can grow to dangerous levels if left untreated.

The disease caused by Legionella bacteria is Legionnaires’ disease . This can be contracted by humans when fine airborne water droplets known as an aerosol, become contaminated.

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Legionella

Sources of Legionella

Contaminated water in engineered water systems include (but are not limited to) the following:

Cooling towers and air-conditioning
Domestic hot and cold water systems including
Spa pools and hot
Swimming pools
Hydrotherapy pools
Decorative fountains and water features
Process systems that use water
Dental practice equipment
Vehicle washing systems
Industrial cutting fluids
Ice-making machines
Misting systems

The bacteria multiply where temperatures are between 20-45°C and nutrients are available. The bacteria are dormant below 20°C and do not survive above 60°C.

Is Legionella dangerous?

Most people catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil. Older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires' disease.

Legionella

What is a Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA)?

A Legionnaires’ risk assessment is an essential component in any well managed ACOP L8 legionella management and compliance process.

The risk assessment itself typically involves the detailed examination of all man-made water systems at your premises. The process involves identifying and assessing the presence of legionella within the system.

It will also include a review of the management and control processes you have in place to manage the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease through exposure to Legionella bacteria.

If you are an employer, landlord or business owner and you control premises or have responsibility for the health and safety of others, you will need to carry out a legionella risk assessment of the water systems that fall under your control.

Legionella

Do you need a legionella risk assessment?

In the UK there is a legal requirement for all businesses including landlords and property owners to carry out a risk assessment for the control of legionella in their premises.

The practical requirements of this process are set out in the Health & Safety Executives Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water system”.

This ACOP L8 is underpinned in law by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

All our assessments are carried out in accordance with the requirements of BS 8580-1:2019.

Our detailed reports are designed to ensure the risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease are clearly identified, fully assessed and then summarised in a “Plain English” style.

This approach helps improve your understanding of risk so you can meet the compliance standards set by the Health & Safety Executive in this important area.

As a team you can trust we provide a full and professional legionella risk assessment service in Sussex. Contact us today.

legionella

Our legionella risk assessments

The process:

1

Identify the Hazards

2

Consider Who May be At Risk

3

Implement Control Measures

4

Keep Records

5

Review the Risk Assessment

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