What is a Legionella risk assessment and who needs one?
A Legionella risk assessment identifies risks of Legionella bacteria growth in water systems. Legally required for all commercial properties and HMOs in London.
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
A Legionella risk assessment is a systematic inspection of a building's water systems to identify conditions that could allow Legionella bacteria to proliferate — the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires' disease.
Legal Requirements
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and ACoP L8 (Approved Code of Practice), all employers and those responsible for buildings must:
- Assess and control Legionella risk in their water systems
- Maintain records of all assessments and remedial work
- Appoint a competent person responsible for water hygiene
Who Requires a Legionella Assessment?
- Commercial properties — offices, hotels, restaurants
- HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) — legally required
- Large residential buildings — recommended, increasingly required
- Any property with a cold water storage tank — high risk if unmaintained
Risk Factors in London Properties
Many older London buildings — mansion blocks, Edwardian terraces, Victorian townhouses — have large cold water storage tanks in the loft that create ideal Legionella conditions if not regularly cleaned and disinfected.
RARE Legionella Services
RAREcarry out cold water tank inspections, ACoP L8 risk assessments and full tank chlorination across prime London. Call 020 7458 4949.
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