We are often asked which aspects of Legionella risk management are best practice for businesses and landlords and what is required by legislation.
There is an ever-present risk of Legionella in any water system. But, it can be managed with sensible Health & Safety measures and by following the available guidance.
This is something we see every day. Despite longstanding legislation that is not difficult to comply with (by simply appointing a competent specialist or Health and Safety professional who will advise you on your legal obligations). But there are still many companies and many Duty Holders who are not aware of their responsibilities.
We would summarise our year as: Repeat work, new client industries, and referrals from happy clients.
Water systems are often more complex than people realise. This is especially true with old buildings and those that occupy large sites. But what effect does the design of a water system have on the Legionella risk? Quite a significant one, in our experience.
We are proud to have recently completed a major programme of works across a complex heritage estate that delivered safety improvements for staff, visitors, and tenants.
Whilst landlords do have legal responsibilities to protect the health and safety of their tenants, including protecting them from the risk of exposure to Legionella, there are steps that the tenant, as the resident in the property, needs to also take, to help manage the risk.
It’s about now that many of us are returning to offices after a period of working from home. But how safe is your building for you and your staff? Amongst the range of risks that exist in properties that have stood empty, have you considered the risk of Legionella?
The law is clear that if you are a landlord, and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home), then you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant(s), by keeping the property safe, and free from health hazards.
A Legionella risk assessment is mandatory for all hot and cold water systems in rented, commercial, and industrial premises.
Not all systems will require elaborate control measures.
Since first being identified, following the outbreak at the convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia, in 1976, much work has gone into identifying what conditions favour the growth and proliferation of the Legionella bacteria in building water systems.