All businesses and organisations have a legal duty of care to ensure that they control the risk of Legionella (a deadly waterborne bacterium) proliferation and exposure.
In the event of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, the authorities will require evidence of suitable Legionella Management & Control measures including a current risk assessment monitoring and maintenance records; without this in place organisations will be dealt with most severely by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Failure to meet with the required compliance requirements may result in prosecution and litigation.
Swiftclean strive to provide expert consultancy and technical support for the health and safety, hygiene and maintenance of water systems in both commercial and landlord controlled residential buildings. We are well placed to provide a vital support service and practical solutions, to ensure the Legionella bacteria is kept at bay.
Our Legionella compliance services are the first choice for commercial businesses in the UK, and our knowledgeable team are on hand to provide peace of mind that compliance is achieved quickly and that any risks are managed efficiently and effectively.
We have a great in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements, and common problems that businesses can encounter. Swiftclean are well placed to provide vital support and provide a range of Legionella control services including risk assessments and testing to ensure business water systems are operating safely.
Get a quote
Legislation Covering Legionella Includes:
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 details wide-ranging duties on employers. For example, employers must protect the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, visitors and the general public.
The Act allows the government to issue regulations, guidance and Approved Codes of Practice for employers. These set out detailed responsibilities for employers in every aspect of workplace health and safety, including ensuring commercial businesses and workplaces meet national standards for air and water hygiene.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999
COSHH regulations provide a framework to help protect people in the workplace against health risks from hazardous substances, this includes the legionella bacterium. The regulations place a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees, and ensure all employees are working safely in accordance with their training and instructions given to them.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities. The main employer duties include making assessments of risk to the health and safety of the workforce, how to act upon risks they identify and how to reduce them.
Legionnaires’ Disease – The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
The HSE published a document, known as Legionnaires’ disease – The control of legionella bacteria in water systems (L8 fourth edition 2013), which includes the Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations. It’s aimed at duty holders, including employers, those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others, to help them comply with their legal duties in relation to legionella control.
The Legionnaires’ disease document outlines the guidance on regulations, including:
- Identify and assess sources of r