Legionella Risk Assessment
• Smokers and heavy drinkers
• People over 45 years of age
• People suffering from chronic respiratory or lung and heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes or anyone with an impaired immune system.
If conditions are favourable, the bacteria may grow increasing the risks of legionnaires disease. It is important to control the risks by introducing measures outlined in Legionnaires disease – The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L8).
• Identify and assess sources of risk
• Manage the risk
• Prevent or control the risk
• Keep records
If you are an employer, or someone in control of premises, including landlords, you must understand the health risks associated with Legionella and why you must carry out a Legionella risk assessment.
Duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 extend to risks from Legionella bacteria, which may arise from work activities.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations provide a broad framework for controlling health and safety at work and more specifically the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) provide a framework of duties designed to assess, prevent or control the risk from bacteria like Legionella and take suitable precautions.