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Legionella

Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires’ disease and other illnesses, pose a serious health risk. They can thrive in unmanaged water systems, endangering employees, customers, and the public. Identifying and controlling these bacteria is essential for safety, health, and compliance.
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Legionella

What is Legionella and Where is it Found?

Legionella bacteria are naturally present in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and ponds. While generally harmless in these settings, they become a significant hazard when introduced into engineered water systems where water is stored or circulated. Systems operating between 20-45°C and containing organic material or sediment provide ideal conditions for bacterial growth.

The bacteria can be transmitted to humans through inhaling contaminated water droplets, or aerosols, which are often created by systems such as cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, or decorative water features. Ensuring these systems are properly managed and maintained is crucial to minimising the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe respiratory condition that can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.

Legionella

Common Sources of Legionella

Legionella bacteria can proliferate in a wide range of water systems, including:

  • Cooling towers and air-conditioning units
  • Domestic hot and cold water systems
  • Spa pools, swimming pools, and hydrotherapy facilities
  • Decorative fountains and misting systems
  • Dental equipment and vehicle washing systems
  • Industrial cutting fluids and ice-making machines

Systems where water is stored or where temperature and nutrient levels allow for bacterial growth must be assessed and managed to prevent contamination and minimise health risks.

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Legionella

Legal Responsibilities for Businesses

Employers, landlords, and property managers have a legal duty under UK health and safety law to assess and control the risks associated with legionella. Compliance requirements are set out in regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 provides practical guidance for meeting these obligations, including conducting regular legionella risk assessments, implementing control measures, and maintaining adequate records. Failure to comply can lead to legal consequences and, more importantly, pose significant risks to health and wellbeing.

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Legionella

The Role of a Legionella Risk Assessment

A Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) is an essential part of ensuring compliance and safeguarding against health risks. This assessment identifies potential risks, evaluates the current controls in place, and recommends measures to manage or eliminate exposure to legionella bacteria.

It is a key process for organisations operating systems such as hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, and other facilities vulnerable to bacterial growth.

At Summit Environmental, our assessments are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. We identify risks, review your water systems, and help you implement a comprehensive management plan in line with the latest regulations and best practices.

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Legionella

Our Five-Step Risk Assessment Process

We provide thorough and professional legionella risk assessments designed to help businesses meet legal requirements while protecting health and safety. Our approach involves:

  • Identifying Hazards: Examining water systems where legionella bacteria could thrive.
  • Evaluating Risks: Determining who could be exposed, including employees, visitors, and contractors.
  • Developing Control Measures: Recommending practical strategies to reduce or eliminate risks.
  • Documenting Findings: Providing detailed reports to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Ongoing Review: Keeping your assessments up to date to reflect changes in usage or system design.
Legionella

Why Work with Summit Environmental?

We are experts in legionella risk management, helping organisations across Sussex and beyond stay compliant and safe. Our services are conducted in line with the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 and BS 8580-1:2019 standards.

Our clear, concise reports use plain language to help you understand the risks and how to address them. Whether you manage a single property or a complex portfolio, we provide the expertise and guidance needed to ensure the effective control of legionella bacteria in your water systems.

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Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your staff and customers, meet your legal obligations, and minimise risks by booking a professional Legionella Risk Assessment with Summit Environmental. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

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