Legionella Risk Assessment in Manchester
At Swiftclean, our team of experienced specialists are dedicated to providing reliable, comprehensive and efficient Legionella risk assessments in and around Manchester.
Manchester Legionella Risk Assessments
Legionella risk assessments are a critical safety measure designed to proactively reduce the threat posed by this potentially deadly bacterium that can cause Legionnaires’ disease. A form of atypical pneumonia, this disease poses a serious risk to everyone that is exposed, especially those who are vulnerable and therefore more likely to suffer serious complications and long-term health conditions.
Under UK Health and Safety law, all landlords, business owners, employers or property managers are legally obligated to assess and mitigate Legionella risks. A Legionella risk assessment includes a comprehensive evaluation of water systems, temperature profiling and identification of risk areas. For those responsible, these assessments are essential for compliance and, more importantly, for preventing dangerous outbreaks.
At Swiftclean, our team of experienced specialists are dedicated to providing reliable, comprehensive and efficient Legionella risk assessments in and around Manchester and beyond. Delivering a comprehensive, tailored service that fulfils the unique requirements of your property.
Understanding the Risks of Legionella
Legionella bacteria naturally exists in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. These become a serious health concern when they colonise man-made water systems, where they can multiply rapidly under the right conditions.
For example, systems with water temperatures between 20-45°C, stagnant water in rarely used outlets, incorrectly sized tanks, and abandoned pipework (dead-legs) significantly increase the risk and can create the perfect breeding grounds for these bacteria.
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The primary route of infection for Legionnaires’ disease occurs when tiny water droplets (aerosols) containing the bacteria are inhaled. These contaminated aerosols can be produced by a number of systems, such as cooling towers, hot and cold-water systems, water features, humidifiers, spa pools, and even showers.
There are certain groups of people that face significantly higher risks if they contract Legionnaires’ disease, including:
- People over 50 years of age
- Current or former smokers
- Those with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD or emphysema
- Individuals with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV, cancer, diabetes, or medications
- People with kidney or liver disease
The mortality rate for Legionnaires’ disease varies depending on the individual’s health status, but approximately 1 in 10 people who contract the disease will die from complications. This rate increases dramatically to 25% for those who acquire the infection during a healthcare facility stay.
Without appropriate control measures, Legionella can quickly spread through buildings, placing occupants at serious risk. At Swiftclean, the professional Legionella risk assessment services provided by our experts help to proactively identify and mitigate the threat posed by these dangerous bacteria, forming the foundation for safe and effective water control.
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Swiftclean commitment:
- FREE quotation/technical advice – Nationwide – call 0800 243 471
- Works carried out in accordance with the Legionella Control Association (LCA) code of conduct
- Risk Assessments and control schemes carried out to L8, BSRIA and CIBSE guidelines
- All works fully certified and legionella control log books provided
- Fully trained and directly employed staff
- Method Statements and Risk Assessments provided site specific as required
- Training for your own staff following risk assessment
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
A Legionella risk assessment is a systematic evaluation process designed to identify potential hazards associated with Legionella bacteria in water systems. Unlike general water hygiene assessments that might cover various pathogens, this assessment specifically targets Legionella risks.
The primary purpose of this evaluation is to pinpoint conditions that could encourage bacteria growth and spread, followed by implementing appropriate control measures. The assessment serves as the essential first step in any effective Legionella management programme, forming the foundation for all subsequent preventative actions.
Our experienced team carry out thorough Legionella risk assessments that are designed to examine several critical areas. They include a comprehensive inspection of all water systems and their components, evaluating management procedures, and documentation to ensure proper protocols are in place.
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Temperature profiling represents another vital component, as maintaining proper temperatures (below 20°C for cold water and above 50°C for hot water) remains one of the most reliable control methods.
The assessment identifies specific risk factors such as:
- Dead leg pipework and rarely used outlets where water stagnation occurs
- Sources of nutrients like rust, sludge, scale, and biofilms
- Areas where water droplets are produced and potentially dispersed
- Whether susceptible individuals might be exposed to contaminated water
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, conducting this assessment is a legal requirement. Although you may perform the assessment yourself if competent, many organisations choose to engage qualified specialists to not only ensure that the evaluation is carried out properly but also that the property is safe and compliant.
Who Needs a Legionella Risk Assessment?
UK law mandates that the responsibility for conducting Legionella risk assessments falls primarily on three key groups:
- Employers
- Landlords (of all types, from single rooms to multiple properties)
- Those in control of premises, such as facilities managers
Virtually all workplaces require a Legionella risk assessment. This legal obligation applies to any business where water is used or stored, and where water droplets might be created and inhaled. This encompasses a wide range of establishments, including care homes, hotels, dental practices, schools, universities, and all commercial sites.
The fundamental rule is straightforward – if your premises have water systems that people can be exposed to, you need to ensure that a Legionella risk assessment is carried out.
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Regarding frequency, assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there’s reason to suspect they’re no longer valid. For simple buildings with low risks, a review every two years is generally sufficient; for most, an annual inspection is recommended.
More frequent assessments become necessary when significant changes occur, such as:
- Modifications to the water system or its use
- Changes to building occupancy or purpose
- Availability of new information about risks or control measures
- Control measures proving ineffective
- Changes to key personnel
- Any cases of Legionnaires’ disease associated with the system
Given that Legionella management is an ongoing process, it is important to keep records of all assessments and control measures, even when not legally required to do so.
Professional Legionella Risk Assessments in Manchester
Taking Legionella risk assessments seriously is essential for both legal compliance and public health protection. All responsible parties should approach this obligation with appropriate seriousness because people’s lives literally depend on it.
At Swiftclean, we have the tools and experience needed to help prevent Legionnaires’ disease and ensure compliance with all of the necessary legal requirements. If you have any questions about Legionella risk assessments in Manchester and the service we provide, then please do not hesitate to get in touch, and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
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Please call us or email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further advice and a free quote.
