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Legionella Risk Assessment

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Legionella Risk Assessment

Commercial businesses are required by law to conduct a Legionella risk assessment at least every two years to protect people from exposure to Legionella bacteria. As such, employers must regularly survey all water equipment, systems, and facilities for risks and fix any hazards found.

Are you looking for a Legionella risk assessment for your business? Our experienced water safety professionals can carry out tests and full risk assessments throughout Yorkshire. We will advise you on all aspects of your water systems, helping to keep your business safe and compliant. If you’d like to request a quote or discuss your requirements further, please call us at 01423226578 or visit our Contact Us page. 

Read on to learn more about Legionella risk assessments and the Legionella testing cost.

What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a process of identifying and assessing the Legionella risks in your workplace. Business owners can then put controls in place to minimise the risks to employees, customers, and others who may be exposed. As part of a Legionella risk assessment, our experts will:

  • check previous records
  • identify potential sources of Legionella bacteria
  • assess potential risks
  • offer recommendations for risk management and control measures.

The purpose of the assessment is to identify the sources of Legionella growth, the likelihood of exposure, and the possible risk to public health.

What Does a Legionella Risk Assessment Involve?

At Robinsons Facilities Services, our team of dedicated professionals are highly trained, accredited and experienced in water safety risk assessments and Legionella control. A typical Legionella risk assessment from our assessors includes the following elements:

1. Site Inspection

Our team of experienced water safety professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of all water systems onsite. This includes cooling towers, hot and cold water tanks, taps, showers, humidifiers, pumps, pipework – any equipment that uses or distributes water.

2. Identifying Sources

During the inspection, the assessor will identify any conditions that could potentially allow Legionella bacteria to grow and spread. This includes areas where water may stagnate, accumulate sediment, or where temperatures are within Legionella’s ideal growth range (20-45°C).

3. Risk Evaluation

Factors like water temperature, potential for aerosolisation, sediment, scale, and corrosion will be evaluated to determine the level of risk present. We will also identify higher-risk areas for subsequent remedial work.

4. Sampling & Testing

Water samples from the systems may be collected and tested for the presence and concentration of Legionella bacteria.

5. Risk Management Plan

Once risks are identified, our professional assessor will recommend control measures to reduce Legionella to safe levels. These could include regular water temperature monitoring, improved cleaning and maintenance practices, and the implementation of water treatment methods.

The final report will outline all identified risks, and lab results, and provide a risk management plan tailored to your facility’s particular water systems and risks. Implementing the plan reduces hazards and demonstrates your business’s compliance with health and safety regulations.

What Are the Most Common Legionella Sources?

Legionella bacteria are commonly found in the water systems of larger commercial premises. Some of the most high-risk sources of Legionella bacteria include:

  • Cooling towers – The warm, stagnant water and mist from cooling towers used in air conditioning and industrial processes can promote rapid Legionella growth. Regular biocide treatment, draining the system, and replacing old tower fill are key controls.
  • Hot water cylinders/heaters – Water heaters and storage cylinders kept between 20°C – 45°C can harbour Legionella bacteria. Flushing units regularly and turning off idle equipment helps control risks.
  • Decorative fountains/water features – The aerosolised water and sediment make fountains prime Legionella sources. Using biocides and sterilisers and regularly cleaning all fountain parts is recommended.
  • Humidifiers/Misters – Devices that release water vapour like humidifiers and misters can transmit Legionella through the air. Only utilising sterile water and replacing evaporative pads regularly reduces hazards.
  • Plumbing systems – Old pipes, infrequently used outlets, rubber hoses, and dead legs allow Legionella to grow. Removing scale and sediment via pipe flushing is a key control method.

An integrated approach that combines temperature control, cleaning, disinfection, and vigilant upkeep is vital to stopping the spread of Legionella bacteria. Remember, it’s your responsibility as a business owner to safeguard public health in your commercial premises.

Our Legionella Risk Assessment Services

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we can work with you to carry out a full water safety risk assessment. We will study your systems and operations to establish a programme of surveys and Legionella control work ensuring you are fully compliant.

We understand just how important it is to avoid disruptions to your daily operations. That’s why our risk assessment programmes are tailored specifically to your business, keeping disruptions to a minimum. We will also work with your employees to educate them on findings and ongoing checks. This is all recorded and documented on-site as evidence of compliance. All reports are updated as regular surveys take place. 

But, how much does a Legionella risk assessment cost? As you can imagine, prices vary greatly. The cost of a legionella risk assessment can range from around £300 to several thousand pounds depending on the size and type of your commercial premises. 

For a no-obligation Legionella risk assessment cost quote, call us at 01423226578 or visit our Contact Us page.  

Our team of experienced water safety professionals are on call across the Yorkshire region 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Why Choose Robinsons Facilities Services?

  • Adaptable prices
  • 24/7/365 availability
  • Highly trained experts
  • Years of experience

Our customers love us! Read our testimonials.

Legionella Risk Assessment FAQs

The L8 Approved Code of Practice outlines the requirement for premises to assess the risk of exposure to Legionella. This is a responsibility in both domestic and commercial premises. So, if you own or operate a business, it’s your responsibility to make sure that a Legionella risk assessment takes place

The HSE regulations state that the person completing the risk assessment should be a “competent” individual. Therefore, a proper knowledge of health and safety regulations and water hygiene is essential. 

If legionella bacteria is present, then the only reliable way to detect it is through testing. Your Legionella risk assessment should outline a procedure for regular testing as well as preventative measures.

Your commercial premises must be inspected and risk assessed at least every two years, or whenever significant water system changes occur. High-risk buildings, such as care homes and hospitals, will need more frequent checks.

There are around 300 to 500 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease in England each year, so it is not hugely common. Nevertheless, it is still very serious. This is why there are such strict regulations in place.

A Legionella testing cost depends greatly on the size and type of building. Small commercial buildings can expect to pay around £300 while larger enterprises can pay upwards of £1000. 

Legionella risk assessments can take as little as one day for small businesses. Larger businesses, on the other hand, can take up to a week to complete a Legionella risk assessment.

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