Exposure to Legionella is covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and COSHH regulations 2002, and therefore if you do not prevent exposure you will be prosecuted under these laws. It is worth noting that a person doesn’t have to contract Legionnaires Disease for you to be prosecuted, you will be prosecuted if you fail to prevent exposure to the bacteria. An Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems (ACOP L8), is there to help you comply with the law.

It is your duty to have an up to date Legionella Risk assessment, even if you employ less than 5 people, records must be kept to show that one was carried out. You would be prosecuted for failing to control the risk. It is your responsibility to ensure the risk assessor is competent and that the risk assessment is complete. MIS Environmental Ltd Legionella Risk Assessors are qualified and experienced. They will help you comply with the current regulations.

This involves:

Legionella Risk Assessment:

Carrying out a Legionella Risk Assessment is the first step in controlling the risk of exposure to Legionella Bacteria. Following the initial Legionella Risk Assessment and implementation of its subsequent findings, Legionella Risk assessments must be reviewed at least every two years or if:

• There are changes to the water system or its use,
• There are changes to the use of the building, in which the water system is installed
• The availability of new information about risks or control measures
• The results of checks indicating that control measures are no longer effective
• A case of legionnaire’s disease is associated with the system.

The Legionella Risk Assessment, produced by MIS, addresses the following:

Site staff: Have they adequate, knowledge, training and experience to manage the risks of exposure.

Communications: Is there a detailed communications structure for the control of Legionella exposure, within the company and also with any contractors used. (Water Treatment specialists)

Systems: A detailed list, including accurate schematic drawings, of ALL the water systems on the premises. This includes all pipe work, including direct of the flow, any valves or instrumentation, any chemical dosing and sizes of pipe work. It also includes the location in the system of the assets.

Assets: Detailed assessments of each asset.

People:  An assessment of the people at risk. The number and type of people who may be exposed to risk.

Remedial Actions: A list of actions required to minimize the risk of exposure and to comply with the current legislation.  These are listed in order of priority.
Control: A detailed scheme of work to ensure the ongoing control of exposure.

Photographs: These are used throughout the risk assessment, to both identify assets and to emphasise areas for address.

 

The MIS Water Hygiene Services include:

• Legionella Risk Assessments, including reviews and management of control measures.
• Legionella Domestic Monitoring.
• Legionella Compliance Audits
• Legionella Awareness Training, tailored to your needs and risk assessment.
• Health and Safety Audits.

MIS Environmental Ltd can provide you with experienced water treatment consultants, comprehensive support and advice and detailed, easy to read action plans.