Legionella Inspections
WHAT IS A LEGIONELLA INSPECTION?
A Legionella risk assessment is a thorough inspection which is used to identify potential risks in relation to Legionella bacteria (the cause of Legionnaires disease) within a property.
The assessment will determine how susceptible a water system is to Legionella bacteria, and therefore how high a risk it poses to those using it.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A LEGIONNAIRES RISK ASSESSMENT
There are a number of reasons carrying out legionnaires inspections and risk assessments is important in both residential and commercial properties, including:
Public Health Protection
Legionnaires disease is a highly serious condition which can be fatal, which is why it is important that everyone responsible plays their part in mitigating the risk of exposure throughout the UK. The most effective way to do this is by hiring an expert to carry out a legionnaires risk assessment of your property’s water systems.
Legal Compliance
The law states that as a landlord who rents out a property you have a legal responsibility for your tenant’s health and safety. While there is no legal requirement to conduct an in-depth detailed assessment nor to conduct water sample testing, to ensure you do not fall foul of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1975 (HSWA) it is recommended, and prudent, to keep a record of the risks and what has been done to mitigate them.
While inspectors are unlikely to inspect domestic premises, if a tenant contracts Legionnaires’ disease from a water system in your property, you may be liable to prosecution and you would have to provide evidence to a court that you took appropriate measures to reduce risk. As the person in control of the premises, you have sole responsibility for health and safety and while you can conduct the assessment yourself, paying for a low cost risk assessment is a quick and easy way to protect yourself.
Protecting Vulnerable People
People who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or underlying health conditions, are more susceptible to Legionnaires, and it could be fatal for them if they were to contract the disease. Doing your bit to manage the risk of Legionella bacteria in water systems helps to protect these more vulnerable groups.
LEGIONELLA COMPLIANCE SERVICES
In both residential and commercial properties, there is a responsibility on the person in control of the premises to understand the health risks associated with legionella and control them..
For Residential Landlords
As a landlord of residential property, you are responsible for maintaining health and safety standards for your tenants, which includes monitoring the risk of legionella bacteria in the property’s hot and cold water systems.
For Employers
Similarly for employers, your employee’s safety should be at the top of your priority list. This means taking the necessary precautions to mitigate the risk of exposure to potentially harmful legionella bacteria.
Whether you are a landlord, building manager, or employer, it is beneficial to provide peace of mind to your employees or tenants with precautionary health and safety assessments, including legionella risk assessments. Get in touch with Arnold Inventories for more information on how we can help you.
WHY CHOOSE US FOR YOUR LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT?
We are your trusted partner when it comes to landlord/employer compliance. Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of what we do, and with a fast turnaround and comprehensive service. Our low cost no-nonsense risk assessment is easy to digest and mitigates the risk of landlords failing their duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Explore Our Other Services
Arnold Inventories provides a range of property management and check in/check out services for landlords, tenants, and agents across London.
Explore our services page to discover how we can efficiently manage your property today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legionnaires' disease?
Legionnaires disease is a serious form of pneumonia (lung infection), which is contracted from breathing in water droplets from systems like air conditioning systems, hot tubs and showers. The bacteria thrives and breeds in water systems where water is stored between 20 – 45°C. If the bacteria is inhaled through water droplets it can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up blood and can result in needing to go into hospital.
Do landlords have to check for legionella?
Landlords of residential and commercial property are required by law to ensure the health and safety of tenants. Carrying out risk assessments on properties to identify and minimise risk of legionella bacteria forming is one way to ensure compliance with the law. It is prudent to keep a record of the risks and what has been done to mitigate them. Read more about legionella requirements for landlords from the HSE.
Is it a legal requirement to have a Legionella risk assessment?
It is not a legal requirement to conduct a legionella risk assessment, but it is considered best practice to conduct an assessment at the start of each tenancy; particularly as landlords can be held responsible if a tenant catches legionnaires disease from the property if inspections have not been carried out.
How much does it cost for a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Our simple and no nonsense legionella risk assessments cost £85+VAT for properties up to three bedrooms.
How often should a landlord do a Legionella Risk Assessment?
The law doesn’t dictate how often a risk assessment should be reviewed. We recommend conducting a new inspection at the start of each tenancy and after any substantial changes to the water system.
