When was the last time you thought about the water system in your business?
For most facilities managers, property managers and business owners, water is one of those things that simply needs to work. Taps need to run, showers need to work and hot and cold water needs to be available when people need it.
But behind the scenes, poorly managed water systems can present a potentially serious health risk.
One of those risks is Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia.
That’s why understanding your responsibilities around Legionella risk is an important part of managing a safe and compliant workplace.
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can grow in water systems when conditions are right.
The bacteria can multiply in areas where water is allowed to become stagnant, particularly where temperatures are favourable for bacterial growth. Scale, sediment and biofilms within water systems can also provide an environment where Legionella can thrive.
People can become exposed when contaminated water produces tiny droplets or aerosols that are then inhaled.
Potential sources can include:
- Showers and shower heads
- Taps and other outlets
- Hot and cold water systems
- Cooling systems
- Storage tanks
- Other water systems capable of producing aerosols
While Legionella bacteria may be present in water systems without causing a problem, effective management is important to minimise the risk of exposure.
Why is a Legionella risk assessment important?
A Legionella risk assessment is designed to identify where potential risks exist within a building’s water systems and what controls are needed to manage them.
For businesses and other organisations, it’s not simply a box-ticking exercise.
A proper assessment should consider the way water systems are designed, used and maintained, identifying conditions that could encourage Legionella growth.
This can include looking at factors such as:
Water temperature
Water temperatures can play an important role in controlling Legionella growth. An assessment should consider whether water systems are operating and being maintained appropriately.
Stagnant water
Areas of infrequently used or unused pipework can allow water to remain stagnant, potentially increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Scale and sediment
Build-up within water systems can create conditions that support bacterial growth and should be considered as part of the assessment.
Biofilms
Biofilms can develop within water systems and may provide an environment in which bacteria can survive and multiply.
System design and condition
Understanding how the water system is configured, including storage tanks, pipework, outlets and other components, is important when assessing potential risks.
Who needs a Legionella risk assessment?
The responsibility for managing Legionella risks can apply to a wide range of organisations and premises.
Employers, landlords and people responsible for controlling premises have duties relating to the management of risks associated with water systems.
This means Legionella shouldn’t only be a consideration for large organisations.
Offices, commercial premises, hotels, care facilities, schools, leisure facilities and other buildings with water systems may all need to consider the potential risks.
The exact requirements will depend on the premises, water systems and circumstances, which is why a suitable risk assessment is so important.
What happens during a Legionella risk assessment?
A professional assessment involves examining the building’s water systems and identifying potential areas of concern.
At TWC Facilities, our Legionella Risk Assessments involve a comprehensive evaluation of the water systems within a premises.
The assessment considers factors including water temperatures, areas of stagnation, scale and biofilm, helping to establish where potential risks may exist and what control measures may be appropriate.
The aim is simple:
Identify the risk. Understand the risk. Put the right controls in place.
A risk assessment can also provide businesses with a clearer understanding of their water systems and the actions required to manage them effectively.
Legionella management shouldn’t be a one-off exercise
One of the biggest mistakes businesses can make is treating a Legionella risk assessment as something that is completed once and then forgotten.
Buildings change. Water systems change. Areas of a building may be closed or become infrequently used. Equipment can be replaced, pipework modified and occupancy levels can change.
That’s why Legionella management needs to form part of an ongoing approach to water system safety.
Your risk assessment should be reviewed when significant changes occur and in line with the requirements of your risk management arrangements.
Don’t leave Legionella risk to chance
For facilities managers and business owners, there are already enough things to worry about without adding water system risks to the list.
A professional Legionella risk assessment provides a structured way to identify potential hazards, understand your responsibilities and put appropriate control measures in place.
At TWC Facilities, we provide Legionella Risk Assessment services for businesses across Northern England, helping organisations understand and manage the risks associated with their water systems.
We’re an independent, family-run business with more than 15 years’ experience delivering commercial hygiene and facilities services across the region.
If you’re unsure whether your business needs a Legionella risk assessment, or it’s been some time since your water systems were assessed, talk to the TWC Facilities team.
Call 0330 441 0985 or email customercare@twc-facilities.com to discuss your requirements and request a free quote.
