Legionella Risk Assessments UK

The approved code of practice states that with simple buildings where the risks are low we recommend that the basic rule of thumb is to review your risk assessment every two years, or sooner if there is a significant change or if there is reason to believe that the current one is no longer valid.

The Approved Code of practice L8 advises that arrangements should be made to review the LRA "when there is suspect it is no longer valid. Ensuring that the assessment is always up to date when needed.

When building occupants are categorised as high-risk and those with a weaker immune system such as the elderly, a Legionella risk assessment may may need to be carried out even more regularly.

A legionella Risk assessment (LRA) is used to help identify potential risks factors of a water service in any work place or business premises.

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Conducting a Legionella Risk Assessment is a requirement under the Health and Safety at work act 1974. All building managers or owners have a duty of care to the people within a building, to ensure there are no risks of contracting Legionnaires disease.

Appointing the right water specialist ensures the correct procedures are in place to remain compliant, and reduce the risk of someone within the property contracting the fatal Legionnaires' disease. Absolute water compliance operates with user friendliness in mind, ensuring that we explain the systems on the business premises, the risks and how to affect and control them.

Water temperature fluctuations

Scale and sediment

PH fluctuations

Scale and Sediment

Construction

Legionella bacteria can be found in both natural water sources such as lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams. As well as artificial water systems such as cooling towers, hot and cold water systems and spas. Both have the potential to become a breeding ground for Legionella growth.

Legionnaires disease is a a severe form of pneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation of the small air sacs in the lungs and their associated tissues. Legionnaire's disease has potential to be sever and fatal. Complications that can arise from legionella bacteria include respiratory failure.

A Legionella risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person or a team with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to assess and manage Legionella effectively.

An independent Legionella Risk Assessment carried out by a specialist company should ideally include:

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• Temperature Checks

• An appraisal of the condition of water storage systems

• A photographic register of assetts

• A list of recommended actions to ensure compliance and safety.

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Legionella control tasks are identified as part of your Legionella risk assessment. We can review your

risk assessment and help you complete a legionella control regime. A control regime is bespoke to each site depending on what assets you have. We always work to the general tasks highlighted in HSG274 Part 2 or HTM04-01 for care homes and hospitals

We cover all tasks in association with Legionella compliance, so everything can be covered within one package.

Some of the tasks and further information :

• Flushing - where little used outlets / dead-legs are identified it is important to ensure they are flushing to eliminate the dead-leg in the water system stagnation.

• Temperature monitoring - Legionella thrives in temperatures between 20-40ºC it is therefore important to make sure that these temperatures are controlled to minimize the risk from legionella infection.

• Shower/tap descaling - Scale is known to harbor bacteria including legionella. It is important to ensure areas where scale gathers is adequately cleaned and descaled.

• Cold water storage tanks - Where water is stored the risk from Legionella can increase significantly. We are able to inspect the cold water storage tanks to ensure they are clean, free from sediment and scale and comply with current water regulations.

• Calorifier Endoscope inspection - Endoscope inspections are inserted into the calorifier when cooled and drained. As with cold water storage tanks, the internals can be inspected for sediment and scale.

• TMV servicing - Where thermostatic mixing valves are installed they normally contain strainers which are prone to gathering debris from the water system. The debris creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria. We are able to undertake cleaning and de-scaling of these strainers. Read more on TMV servicing here.

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We carry out tasks across all industries, these include:

• Hotels

• Manufacturing

• Leisure

• Logistics

• Agriculture

• Property

• Facilities Management

• Education

• Health

• Construction

The cost of a Legionella Risk assessment can depend based on varying factors, for example of the size of a building.

Absolute water compliance specialise in Legionella Risk Assessments for business's within a wide range of sectors including, Hospitals and nursing home, Schools, commercial buildings and more and offer competitive prices with a Free survey.

• Small Risk Assessment £250+ vat

Up to 5 rooms with water

• Medium Legionella Risk Assessment £350+vat

Up to 15 rooms with water

• Large Legionella Risk Assessment £650 + VAT

Up to 30 rooms with water

*All prices are subject to review of the property