Q: Legionella: what is the legislation governing the requirement for legionellosis risk assesssment?

A: The requirement for the risk assessment arises from the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994.
The Health and Safety Commissionreleased their latest Approved Code of Practice (L8) - "Legionnaires' disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems" in 2001.

The Code of Practice is enforceable under the above Acts.
This latest Code of Practice replaces the original L8 Code and the associated Health and Safety Executive guidelines HS(G)70 which are incorporated in the new Code.

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Q: Legionella: what are my responsibilities as an employer?

A: Thelegionellosis risk assessment is intended to show compliance with the Code of Practice.
In order to comply with their legal duties employers and others should

• identify the potential sources of risk
• prepare a scheme to prevent or control the risks
• implement and manage precautionary measures
• keep records of the precautions introduced
• appoint a person to take managerial responsibility

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Q: Legionella: what are the consequences of doing nothing?

A: Should you be subject to an HSE inspection or investigation the absence of an up-to-date risk assessment could be grounds for prosecution even if the employer's safeguards might otherwise appear to be satisfactory.

Complete the Contact Us form to request our Information Sheet on Legionella.