Legionella Risk Assesments
Understanding Legionella and Its Risks
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal. These bacteria thrive in warm water environments, such as hot tubs, cooling towers, and poorly maintained plumbing systems. Understanding the risks associated with Legionella is crucial for landlords, property owners, and employers to ensure the safety of tenants and employees.
What Are Legionella Safety Certificates?
Legionella safety certificates do not exist as a formal requirement in the UK. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) does not recognize any document specifically labelled as a "Legionella certificate." Instead, what is required by law is a thorough risk assessment to identify and manage potential sources of Legionella bacteria within water systems.
Legal Requirements for Landlords and Property Owners
Under UK law, particularly the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their properties are safe from health hazards, including
those posed by Legionella. This includes:
Conducting Risk Assessments:
Landlords must perform risk assessments for each property they own or manage. This assessment helps identify
potential risks associated with water systems where Legionella could proliferate.
Implementing Control Measures:
Based on the findings of the risk assessment, landlords must implement appropriate control measures to minimize the risk of Legionella growth. Common measures include maintaining water temperatures (keeping hot water above 60°C and cold water below 20°C), regular flushing of unused outlets, and cleaning showerheads.
Reviewing Assessments Regularly:
While there is no statutory requirement to keep records of these assessments unless there are five or more employees involved, it is advisable for landlords to maintain documentation for their own reference.
Misconceptions About Legionella Certificates
Many landlords have been misled into believing that they need to obtain a specific "Legionella certificate" before renting out their properties or as a condition set by
letting agents. However:
• No Certificate Exists: The HSE has confirmed that there is no official certificate required for legionella compliance.
• Risk Assessment Is Key: The focus should be on conducting proper risk assessments rather than obtaining non-existent certificates.
Hiring Competent Professionals
While landlords can conduct their own risk assessments if they feel competent enough, many choose to hire qualified professionals to ensure compliance with health regulations effectively. Engaging experts can provide peace of mind that all necessary precautions are taken to mitigate risks associated with Legionella.
Conclusion
In summary, there are no recognized legionella safety certificates in the UK, but conducting thorough legionella risk assessments is legally required for landlords and property owners. By understanding these requirements and implementing effective control measures, property owners can safeguard their tenants' health while
complying with legal obligations.
For further information on legionella awareness training or assistance with risk assessments, consider reaching out to accredited training providers or specialists in water hygiene management.