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Legionella risk assessment template

About the Legionella risk assessment template

Property managers and landlords can effectively prevent legionella by regularly using a legionella risk assessment template, which can be used to check the condition, cleanliness, and correct temperature of hot and cold water systems and document the data.

The law is clear that if you are a landlord and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home), you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant by keeping the property safe and free from health hazards.

This template helps you and your team identify whether there are risks or not if they are properly managed.

Streamline your risk assessment process and reduce the risk of outbreaks

Using our legionella risk assessment template, applying health and safety laws to landlords of domestic rental properties doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While landlords are required to assess the risk of Legionella exposure to ensure tenant safety, this doesn’t mean they need to conduct an in-depth, detailed assessment. In most residential settings, the risks from hot and cold water systems are generally low due to regular water usage.

However, conducting a legionella risk assessment is crucial if there are any changes in the system. Using this template, you can implement appropriate control measures, ensuring the risk remains low. With Lumiform, you can collect data in real-time and analyze it within the app.

This streamlined process not only keeps your property safe but also ensures compliance with legal requirements.

Key elements of the legionella risk assessment template

Our template includes crucial components to ensure thorough evaluations:

System Identification: First, identify all water systems within your facility, including cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, and decorative fountains. This step ensures you cover all potential sources of legionella, and it helps your team focus on areas of highest risk.
Hazard Identification: Next, examine each system for potential legionella hazards, such as stagnant water, biofilm, or inadequate temperature control. By actively identifying these risks, your team can implement appropriate controls.
Risk Assessment: Then, evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of legionella contamination in each system. Consider factors such as water temperature, usage patterns, and maintenance history. Consequently, you can prioritize which systems require immediate attention.
Control Measures: Implement measures to control legionella risks, such as regular cleaning, temperature monitoring, and biocide treatment. Ensure your team understands and follows these controls. Moreover, regularly review and update control measures as needed.
Monitoring and Documentation: Finally, establish a schedule for regular monitoring and record-keeping. Document all findings, actions taken, and any changes in system conditions. Thus, you maintain a continuous focus on safety and compliance.

Each section guides your team through essential assessment tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked. This comprehensive approach enhances legionella risk management, promoting vigilance and security within your organization.

Download Lumiform’s risk assessment template today

Make your water safety checks more robust and accurate with our Legionella risk assessment template. With features like customizable sections and data tracking and analysis, it empowers you to conduct thorough and efficient assessments.

Enhance your workflow and safeguard your property now.

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Preview of the template

Audit

Has Landlord Consent Form been completed? If 'No', please complete one before continuing.

Have MCL fees been paid? If 'No', please collect payment before continuing.

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.

Property address:

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Date of assessment:

Assessment carried out by:

Describe property type:

Describe type of cold water system e.g. Mains feed or from storage tank:

Describe type of hot water system e.g. Mains feed via combi boiler or from storage tank:

Risk categories

1. Water outlet temperature

Is cold water temperature at outlets below 20 degrees centigrade?

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Is the hot water temperature above 50 degrees centigrade at outlets?

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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

Is there one present?

Location:

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Does it have a tight fitting lid?

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Is the water in the tank clean and free from rust, debris, scale and organic matter?

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Is the temperature of the water in the tank below 20 degrees centigrade?

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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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

3. Hot water

Is the temperature setting on the boiler and/or hot water tank such that the hot water is heated to and stored at a temperature of 60 degrees centigrade?

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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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

4. Little used outlets

Are all water outlets used more than once per week?

If no, identify outlet & location:

Upload picture of water outlets not being used

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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

5. Shower heads

Are there any showers in the property?

If yes, identify location:

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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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

6. Dead legs and redundant pipework.

Sections of pipework which are redundant or owing to the system design and have little/no through flow of water (known as "dead legs") can allow water to stagnate in the system. Are there any dead legs known in the system? If so, please describe:

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Any dead legs in pipework should be removed. Has this been done?

If no, identify location:

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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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

7. Unoccupied properties

Is the property mainly occupied for long periods of time?

If no, please establish period of time the property is unoccupied:

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:-

Defect:

Risk:

Recommendation:

Responsible person: Landlord/tenant/other

8. Advice to tenants

Has advice been given to the tenants as to the risks of Legionnaires Disease in a domestic setting and their responsibilities to minimise risk?

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.

Name:

Will the landlord be informed of the findings of this report?

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Frequently asked questions

How can companies effectively update their Legionella risk assessment templates?

To update Legionella risk assessment templates effectively, companies should regularly review and incorporate the latest scientific findings and regulatory changes. Engaging with industry experts and collecting staff feedback can highlight areas for improvement. Implementing version control ensures users access the most current version consistently.

What strategies can enhance the usability of Legionella risk assessment templates?

Enhancing usability involves simplifying the template layout and language for accessibility. Clear instructions and definitions of technical terms aid understanding. Visual aids like flowcharts help illustrate complex processes. Testing with diverse users identifies issues. Training sessions ensure staff are confident, leading to accurate assessments.

How can technology improve the creation and implementation of Legionella risk assessment templates?

Technology enhances Legionella risk assessment templates by automating data collection, analysis, and reporting, reducing errors and saving time. Cloud-based platforms allow real-time updates and access to guidelines. Mobile apps enable immediate data input during inspections. Technology improves communication and collaboration, streamlining the risk assessment process.

How can companies ensure compliance with regulations in their Legionella risk assessment template?

Ensuring compliance with Legionella regulations requires understanding local and international standards. Companies should update templates regularly to reflect legislative changes. Engaging with experts offers valuable insights. Including a compliance checklist ensures all steps are followed. Training staff on regulations and compliance importance is crucial for effective implementation.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.