ACoP L8, UK wide
Legionella Risk Assessments
A Legionella risk assessment identifies where Legionella bacteria could grow in your water systems and where people could be exposed, then sets out what to do about it. AL23 Safety carries out competent, independent assessments to ACoP L8, HSG274 and BS 8580-1, giving you the assurance that your water systems are being managed safely and lawfully, anywhere in the UK.
Legionella and the law
A clear legal duty to assess and control the risk
The duty arises under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, which treat Legionella as a hazardous biological agent and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.
The recognised way to meet that duty is set out in the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice L8, “Legionnaires’ disease: the control of Legionella bacteria in water systems”. Following L8 gives you a strong position in law. The detailed technical methods sit in the supporting guidance HSG274, published in three parts. The risk assessment itself follows the British Standard BS 8580-1:2019.
In practice, the duty holder must
- Identify and assess the risk. Have a competent person carry out a Legionella risk assessment of the premises.
- Control the risk. Put a written scheme of control in place and act on the findings.
- Keep records. Record the assessment, the control measures and the monitoring, usually in a site logbook.
- Appoint a responsible person. Name someone who is managerially responsible for managing the risk.
Where it is found and why it matters
Natural in water, dangerous in the systems we use
Legionella bacteria occur naturally in freshwater such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs. They become a health concern when they multiply in artificial water systems that people use, including hot and cold water systems, cooling towers and spa pools.
Almost any water system can support Legionella growth where the conditions allow it, such as stagnant water, warm temperatures and a source of nutrients. The risk rises wherever water is stored or recirculated and especially where it can be released into the air as fine, breathable droplets, which is how people become exposed.
What our assessment includes
We identify and evaluate every potential source of Legionella risk in your building’s water system. It includes:
- A thorough inspection of the water systems on the premises
- Water temperatures taken at representative outlets and checked against the recommended parameters
- Identification of the pipework configuration and all water sources, including any redundant or dead-leg pipework
- Identification of the hazards and the associated risks
- Recommended control measures for each hazard identified
- Photographs of the findings
- A schematic drawing of the water system in electronic format
- A discussion of the initial findings with your responsible person
Water sampling and laboratory analysis can be arranged where it is warranted.
Your report
Following the site survey, your assessor produces a clear, comprehensive report that gives you everything you need to act. It includes:
- Site survey data and an asset register specific to the site
- The observations made, supported by photographs
- An easy-to-read risk rating, using a simple green, amber and red scale
- Practical recommendations to reduce the risk
- A schematic drawing of the water system
- A site-specific monitoring regime driven by the assets present
The recommendations may cover management responsibility and training, as well as system maintenance, refurbishment, routine monitoring and inspection.
When to review your assessment
The trigger is change, not the calendar
A Legionella risk assessment is not a one-off document. Under the current ACoP L8 it should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe it may no longer be valid. A periodic review, often around every two years, is common good practice. L8 gives clear reasons to review:
- Changes to the water system or the way it is used
- Changes to the use of the building the system is in
- New information becoming available about the risks or the control measures
- Monitoring showing that the control measures are no longer effective
- A case of Legionnaires’ disease or legionellosis linked to the system
Who delivers this
The law is clear that a Legionella risk assessment must be carried out by someone competent to do so. Our assessments are completed by trained, competent assessors working to BS 8580-1 and ACoP L8, who give you an objective view of your water system and a report you can act on with confidence.
Why AL23 Safety
Competent, independent, no vested interest
Competent and independent. An objective assessment to the recognised standards, with no vested interest in selling you remedial works.
Clear, actionable reports. A simple risk rating and practical recommendations, not a document you need a specialist to interpret.
Part of the bigger picture. Legionella managed alongside your wider health and safety, not in isolation.
UK nationwide. Wherever your premises are, we can help.
Talk to us about your water systems
We make the duty straightforward
If you are responsible for a building with a water system, you have a duty to assess and control the risk of Legionella. Get in touch and we will get back to you quickly.
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