Legionella risk assessment template

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 and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold water systems like those found in your property. Preparing Risk Assessments MCL Properties will carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment by a competent person. This will allow you to satisfy your statutory duty, and help ensure that risk is kept as low as is reasonably practicable by implementing suitable control measures where necessary. Providing information for tenants Tenants are also expected to play their part in ensuring control measures are maintained. MCL Properties will provide tenants with instruction and a Fact Sheet detailing their responsibilities, as well as obtaining a declaration stating their understanding. What happens if you do not carry out your obligations? The consequences can be serious. Landlords are legally required to manage properties so as not to expose tenants, residents and visitors to risk. Heavy fines or even imprisonment can be imposed, especially if it causes a fatality. Landlords can be prosecuted even if there is an exposure to risk without anyone actually even becoming ill. As a landlord of residential accommodation you have responsibilities for controlling Legionnaires' disease. Health and Safety legislation requires that landlords carry out risk assessments for the Legionella bacteria which cause Legionnaires' disease, and thereafter maintain control measures to minimise the risk. Most rented properties are likely to be low risk, but it is important that risk assessments are carried out and control measures introduced by a competent person/company, such as MCL Properties.

Legionella Risk Assessment - The first step in any risk management process is production of a professional risk assessment. - This involves the engagement of an external water consultant to produce a risk assessment. - A Legionella Risk Assessment involves a trained engineer visiting a premises and making an objective assessment of the water system's potential to be colonised by Legionella bacteria and the various factors favourable for their continued growth.

1. Water outlet temperature

Cold water must flow from outlets at below 20 degrees centigrade and hot water above 50 degrees centigrade to minimise risk. If temperatures are too low/high then adjustments need to be made to the system such as lagging of pipework or adjustment of temperature settings for hot water.

2. Cold water storage tanks

If any debris etc is present in the system it should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. If debris is from the tank itself then the tank may need to be replaced. All cold water tanks should have tight fitting lids to prevent debris entering the system. The water in the tank should be below 20 degrees centigrade and the tank should be insulated to prevent the temperature rising above this level. Identify any defect/risk and related recommendations associated with cold water storage. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

3. Hot water

NB: if the temperature is set above 60 degrees centigrade this can cause scalding to users. The temperature setting on the boiler and/or hot water tank should be set and maintained at 60 degrees centigrade. Identify any defect/risk and related recommendations associated with hot water. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

4. Little used outlets

Any little used outlets should be flushed through weekly by running water through the outlet for at least 2 minutes. Aerosol production should be minimised during this process. Identify any risks and related recommendations associated with little used outlets. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

5. Shower heads

All shower heads should be cleaned, disinfected and descaled at least once every 6 months. Aerosol production should be minimised during this process. Identify any risks and related recommendations associated with shower heads. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

6. Dead legs and redundant pipework.

Any dead legs in pipework should be removed or the system altered so that water flows through all pipework on a regular basis. Identify any risks and related recommendations associated with dead legs. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

7. Unoccupied properties

During periods of unoccupancy all outlets on hot and cold water systems should be flushed through at least once a week for at least 2 minutes. For long periods consider draining the system. Make sure that the system is flushed through when it is re-occupied by running all outlets for at least 2 minutes. Aerosol production should be minimised during this process. Identify any risks and related recommendations associated with unoccupancy. If any action is required identify responsible person:-

8. Advice to tenants

This can be done by giving the tenant/s the tenant advice sheet.

The assessment is complete and should be reviewed regularly (at least once a year) and specifically when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid. You should ensure that the recommendations above are implemented and any existing controls maintained.