Legionella Risk Assessment & Testing

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.

It can be fatal in up to 30% of cases.

Antibiotic treatment should be given as soon as possible to attain the best outcome – even before confirmation of the disease.

Landlords and business owners must manage their properties to prevent legionella from spreading and causing people to fall ill.

Hiring an expert to undertake a risk assessment provides peace of mind that all steps are being taken to minimise the risk.

Landlord’s legal obligations on legionella risk assessment

 Even though many rented properties will carry a low risk from legionella, landlords must still carry out risk assessments.

While there is no such thing as a legionella test certificate, landlords must be able to prove they have risk assessed their property and are controlling the highlighted risks to keep people safe.

Is a legionella risk assessment a legal requirement?

Under UK health and safety law business owners, property managers and, landlords are legally required to consider the legionella risk in their properties or businesses.

A risk assessment is the best and most effective way to achieve this.

Once completed the assessment report should be kept up to date, reviewed periodically, or when any changes are made to the water systems.

Is legionella testing a legal requirement?

It is important to remember that not all properties require legionella testing by law.

On sites with large and complex water systems, particularly those with cooling towers, swimming pools, and hot tubs, routine testing should be carried out at least every three months.

Simple domestic water systems may not require any testing, but it is recommended under certain circumstances.

Testing confirms whether risk management steps are working and is, therefore, a good barometer of the approach taken.