Legionella Risk Assessment in Harlow

HSE guidelines mandate that Legionella risk assessments be conducted every two years at a minimum. Additionally, all businesses with five or more employees must appoint a person responsible for Legionella control. For landlords and property managers in Harlow, regular assessment isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

The consequences of failing to manage these risks properly can be severe, including legal liability, financial penalties, and most critically, risks to human health. This is where our experts can help, with reliable and cost-effective Legionella risk assessment services that ensure your property is safe and compliant.

• The process usually begins with one of our qualified assessors conducting a complete premises survey to identify all the property’s water systems and potential risk factors.
• Initially, the assessors will map out the entire water network, including hot and cold-water systems, cooling towers, spa pools, and other water features. This critical first step helps understand how these systems operate, including water flow, temperature variations, and storage conditions.
• Following this, the assessment moves to risk identification, where assessors look for specific danger signs, such as:
• Areas where water might stagnate, including “dead legs” in pipework
• Systems operating between 20-45°C (the ideal temperature range for Legionella growth)
• Presence of deposits, biofilm, or other nutrients for bacterial growth
• Points where aerosols might form, such as showers or cooling towers
• Temperature profiling forms a core component of the assessment. Cold water should measure below 20°C, whilst hot water needs to maintain temperatures above 50°C to prevent Legionella proliferation.
• Following this, assessors evaluate exposure likelihood by determining who might be at risk and assessing their vulnerability. The overall level of risk is then calculated based on both the probability of exposure and the potential severity of harm.

On average, an assessment requires approximately one hour for every ten outlets (sinks, showers, baths), typically ranging from 30 minutes to 6-7 hours depending on system complexity.

Once completed, comprehensive reports are produced outlining identified risks within water systems and required actions to comply with HSE’s HSG 274 guidelines. These typically include:

• Control measures and management evaluation
• Asset surveys and condition assessments
• Site description and water logbook review
• Executive summary with overall risk rating
• Detailed action plans prioritising remedial work

Water sampling may also be conducted during the assessment when deemed necessary and is then analysed at UKAS-accredited laboratories that participate in water microbiology proficiency testing schemes.

• Independence – Our assessors are completely objective and able to identify mistakes, issues, or risks that may have been overlooked.
• Accreditation – This serves as a fundamental indicator of competence, and our organisation demonstrates this with our many UKAS accreditations that prove our technical competence, professional codes of conduct, quality management systems and environmental awareness.
• Specialists – Although water treatment companies or consultants may conduct testing, they must be properly trained and supervised. Working with specialists who have specific experience, training and knowledge of water safety ensures a singular focus in identifying and mitigating Legionella risks.
• Comprehensive service – Our team delivers detailed reports containing:
• Control measure evaluations
• Complete asset surveys
• Executive summaries with risk ratings
• Actionable recommendations
• Photographic documentation
• Management structure guidance

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our Harlow Legionella risk assessments, please do not hesitate to contact us, and one of our knowledgeable advisors will be happy to help.