Legionella Risk Assessment Chesham
GUIDANCE ON LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE FOR LANDLORDS:
According to the Health and safety legislation require that landlords should carry out assessments that cause Legionnaires’ Disease. The premises duty manager or responsible person should apply control measures to minimize the risk. Most of the rented premises will be at low risk however it is important that legionella risk assessments are carried out and control measures introduced.
We provide Legionella Risk Assessment Chesham to Private Landlords, Home Care Industry, Housing Associations and Hotels around London near M25.
According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) makes provision on landlords to ensure a duty of care is shown to their tenants or employees.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a pneumonia-like illness caused by the Legionella bacteria and can be fatal. The infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria. The disease cannot be passed from one person to another.
Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment and may contaminate, but it multiple in the hot and cold water systems. The bacteria survive low temperatures but thrive at temperatures between 20 – 45°C. If the water conditions are right however these bacteria are killed by high temperatures at 60°C or above.
Legionella Risk Assessments
Landlords are under a duty to ensure that the risk of exposure to tenants, residents, and visitors must be properly assessed and controlled.
Usually, there will be no need to employ an independent consultant for domestic properties. The assessment should be a straight forward simple exercise in ordinary to domestic premises, but only a competent and insured person can do it.
Most residential properties which are not maintained show a high legionaries risk, however, it can be controlled and assessed. Our qualified assessor can provide a comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment Chesham which shows the level of risk. It is important to keep the assessment under review periodically in case anything changes to the system.
We are accredited from Stroma Certification ( https://www.stroma.com) & Kudos Compliance ( http://www.kudoscompliance.co.uk)
Legionella Risk Assessment Chesham
A Legionella risk assessment Aylesbury is a systematic process of evaluating the potential risks associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems. Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever. The risk assessment aims to identify and manage potential sources of Legionella contamination to prevent the spread of the bacteria and protect public health.
Here are the general steps involved in a Legionella risk assessment:
- Site survey: A qualified assessor visits the premises to survey the water systems and identify potential sources of Legionella growth and transmission. This includes assessing the design, layout, and condition of the water systems, such as hot and cold water tanks, showers, cooling towers, spas, and other relevant systems.
- Hazard identification: The assessor identifies potential hazards and conditions that may promote Legionella growth, such as water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, stagnation, presence of biofilms or scale, and areas with potential aerosol generation.
- Risk evaluation: The assessor evaluates the level of risk associated with each identified hazard. This involves considering factors like the likelihood of Legionella colonization, the potential for aerosol generation and inhalation, and the vulnerability of individuals who may be exposed.
- Control measures: The assessor reviews the existing control measures in place to manage Legionella risks. This includes assessing maintenance practices, cleaning and disinfection procedures, temperature control measures, water flow management, and record-keeping.
- Remedial actions: If significant hazards or deficiencies are identified, the assessor recommends specific remedial actions to mitigate the risks. This may include cleaning and disinfection, removal of dead legs or stagnant areas, implementing water treatment measures, improving temperature control, or modifying the water system design.
- Monitoring and records: The assessor provides guidance on implementing a monitoring program to regularly assess the effectiveness of control measures and detect any potential Legionella contamination. This includes recommendations for water sampling and testing, as well as maintaining records of monitoring results and any corrective actions taken.
- Documentation: The assessor prepares a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment report that summarizes the findings, identifies risks, recommends control measures, and outlines a plan for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
It’s important to note that Legionella risk assessment Chesham should be conducted by competent professionals with expertise in water hygiene and Legionella control. They should have knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines, such as the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 in the UK, which provides detailed guidance on managing the risk of Legionella in water systems.
How much does legionella risk assessment cost?
Commercial properties like dental practices, doctor surgeries, small offices with small water systems cost between £200.00 to £500.00. Larger & typical water system properties like hotels, care homes, schools, etc cost between £500.00 to £1500.
The cost is depending on the water system’s complexity & assets. Give us a call on 01442-939006 or 07860 540077 to see how we can help you.
We also offer a range of other expert services like EPC or Professional Property Photography, HMO Floor Plan, Fire Risk Assessment, Asbestos survey, and Legionella Risk Assessment for your home.