Can I Carry Out a Legionella Risk Assessment Myself?

If you have found yourself searching for “Can I carry out a Legionella risk assessment myself?”, you are certainly not alone. Many landlords, business owners, and duty holders ask this very question when they are trying to save money or manage compliance responsibilities internally.

The simple answer is that, in theory, you could attempt to carry out a risk assessment yourself. However, in practice, this is rarely a good idea. The risks of getting it wrong are high, and the majority of self-written assessments fail to meet the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) standards. This is why using a qualified Legionella risk assessor is not only the safest approach, but also the most cost-effective in the long term.

What the Law Says

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is very clear in its guidance: a Legionella risk assessment must be conducted by a “competent person.” In this context, competence means much more than just being responsible for the premises. It requires a solid understanding of Legionella control, in-depth knowledge of UK compliance regulations, and practical experience with water systems, schematics, and risk analysis.

In addition, training is needed to identify hazards accurately and to recommend effective control measures that will actually minimise the risk. Unless you have this specialist background, it is highly unlikely that you would be able to demonstrate competence to the standard that HSE requires.

Why DIY Legionella Risk Assessments Are Problematic

One of the main issues with attempting a do-it-yourself risk assessment is the lack of technical knowledge. Water systems are far more complicated than they appear on the surface. Elements such as hot water tanks, cold water storage units, dead legs in pipework, thermostatic mixing valves, showers, and outlets all need to be assessed carefully and correctly. A non-professional assessment frequently misses critical risks that a trained assessor would spot immediately.

Another common problem is that DIY assessments rarely produce reports that comply with HSE requirements. A legally valid Legionella risk assessment must include a full survey of the water system, schematic drawings, photographic evidence, a clear risk rating system, detailed control recommendations, and a review schedule. Most homemade reports lack these components, which leaves landlords or business owners vulnerable to legal and regulatory challenges.

There are also serious legal and financial consequences to consider. If a Legionella outbreak occurs and your assessment does not meet the required standard, you could face prosecution, significant fines, invalidated insurance claims, and lasting reputational damage. The cost of these consequences far exceeds the expense of hiring a professional in the first place.

Even if you attempt the assessment yourself, you may still find yourself paying for additional services such as laboratory water testing, professionally drawn schematics, or independent validation. What initially seemed like a cheaper solution can quickly become a much more costly exercise.

Why Hiring a Professional Is the Better Choice

By choosing a professional risk assessor, you can be confident that your assessment will fully comply with ACOP L8 and HSG274 requirements. Qualified risk assessors bring years of experience across a range of industries, which means they know exactly what to look for and how to document it.

This professional expertise provides peace of mind, ensuring that your compliance will stand up to any audit or inspection. It also saves you valuable time, as the assessor takes care of the process while you focus on running your business. Many professional services also include ongoing support, with reminders for reviews and clear advice whenever you need it. For landlords, facilities managers, and business owners, this removes the worry of overlooking a critical risk.

Comparing the Costs of DIY and Professional Assessments

Many people initially consider carrying out their own risk assessment because they believe professional services are too expensive. In reality, professional Legionella risk assessments are competitively priced. For example, the cost of assessing a small property typically starts from around £150–£250, and larger or multi-site assessments are often available at discounted rates.

By comparison, the costs of a fine, prosecution, or invalidated insurance claim can run into thousands of pounds. When viewed from this perspective, hiring a qualified assessor is not only the safer choice but also the more cost-effective one in the long run.

Frequently Asked Question: Can I Still Be Involved?

Yes, absolutely. Many of our clients prefer to remain closely involved in the assessment process so they can gain a better understanding of their water systems and their responsibilities as duty holders. We encourage this approach by providing clear explanations of our findings, simple action plans that can be implemented easily, and guidance on routine in-house monitoring tasks.

This way, you remain in control and fully informed, without taking on the risks associated with conducting the assessment yourself.

Ready to Book a Legionella Risk Assessment?

If you have been asking yourself whether you can carry out a Legionella risk assessment on your own, the safest answer is: do not risk it. The HSE requires that these assessments be completed by a competent, qualified assessor — and that is exactly the expertise we provide.

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