Whenever water is stored or used in a way that may create a reasonable foreseeable risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria, there is a statutory responsibility which must be upheld.
If you are…
…an employer or a person responsible for managed premises; for example a building with hot/cold water services or wet cooling systems…
…then you have certain duties to carry out under Health and Safety legislation.
The Five Principles
ACoP L8 stipulates that the person responsible for your water systems must follow these five basic principles:
1. Identify and assess sources of risk
2. Prepare a written scheme for controlling the risk
3. Implement, manage and monitor precautions
4. Keep records of precautions
5. Appoint a person to be managerially responsible
The Legals
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH) and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 2002 (MHSWR) state that there are guidelines which must be followed to protect employees and the public from the risks associated with Legionella.
Experience you can rely on
ACoP L8 was first published in 1991, with further editions printed in 1995 and 2000. WET established as a specialist water hygiene and Legionella prevention service provider in 1992, right at the beginning of this emerging threat and legislation. With such an experienced track record, you can be reassured that we will provide you with everything required to ensure you remain compliant.
If you have any questions regarding your legal duties and responsibilities, do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced and qualified employees.