Legionella Certificate – The Myth Explained

When searching online for information about Legionella compliance, many people use terms like “Legionella certificate” or “Legionella test certificate.” However, the reality is that there is no such thing as an official Legionella certificate.

This common misunderstanding is even perpetuated by some health and safety professionals, which only adds to the confusion.

Why a Legionella Certificate Doesn’t Exist

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK’s regulator for workplace health and safety, does not issue or officially recognise a “Legionella certificate.”

Legionella compliance is not about having a certificate to display on your wall. Instead, it involves having robust procedures, assessments, and documentation in place to effectively manage and control the risks posed by Legionella bacteria in water systems.

What You Actually Need to Be Compliant

Rather than searching for a non-existent Legionella certificate, businesses and property managers should focus on implementing the following key elements to achieve compliance:

• Legionella Risk Assessment: This is the cornerstone of compliance. It must be conducted by a competent person who can identify potential risks within the water system and recommend appropriate control measures.

• Written Scheme of Control: This is a documented plan detailing how Legionella risks will be managed on an ongoing basis.

• Monitoring and Record Keeping: This includes regular checks such as water temperature monitoring, system flushing, visual inspections, and maintaining accurate records or logbooks.

• Cleaning and Disinfection: Water systems, tanks, and outlets must be cleaned and disinfected when required to prevent bacterial growth.

• Training and Competence: Duty holders and responsible persons must understand their legal obligations and receive adequate training to carry them out effectively.

Together, these components demonstrate compliance with HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 and HSG274 Part 2 – not a so-called Legionella certificate.

The Truth About the Legionella Test Certificate

Another frequent misconception is the idea of a “Legionella test certificate.”

While it is possible to take water samples and have them tested for Legionella bacteria, the results of these tests are not certificates of compliance. Laboratory reports simply provide supporting evidence as part of your overall monitoring and control strategy. They cannot replace a proper risk assessment or the other control measures outlined above.

How to Stay Compliant the Right Way

If someone asks you to produce a Legionella certificate, it’s important to remember:

There is no such certificate issued or recognised by the HSE.✅ What truly matters is that you have a valid Legionella risk assessment and an effective, documented scheme of control.

Get Professional Support

At Absolute Water Compliance, we specialise in helping businesses across the UK meet their legal obligations when it comes to managing Legionella risks. Our services include fully compliant Legionella risk assessments, monitoring, and control measures.

We’re here to help you maintain safe water systems—without relying on misleading or outdated terminology.

📞 Call us: 01226 491133

Email: support@absolute-water.co.uk

🌐 Visit: Legionella Risk Assessment Services

FAQ: Legionella Certificates Explained

Q1: Do I need a Legionella certificate to prove compliance?No. The HSE does not issue or recognise a Legionella certificate. Compliance is demonstrated through a proper risk assessment, ongoing monitoring, and accurate record keeping.

Q2: What is the difference between a Legionella certificate and a risk assessment?A Legionella certificate doesn’t exist. A risk assessment is a legally required document that identifies potential risks in your water systems and sets out the necessary control measures.

Q3: Can I get a Legionella test certificate for my water samples?Test results are issued as laboratory reports, not certificates. While they are important for monitoring purposes, they do not prove overall compliance.

Q4: How often should a Legionella risk assessment be reviewed?Typically, a review should be carried out every two years. However, if there are significant changes to your building, water system, or management processes, an earlier review may be necessary.

Q5: Who is responsible for Legionella compliance?The duty holder—usually the employer, landlord, or person in control of the premises—is legally responsible. They may appoint a responsible person to manage Legionella control day to day, but the legal responsibility ultimately remains with the duty holder.