Water Hygiene & Sanitation Feature Eliminating Legionella
Simon Dooner of Legionella Control offers his guide to Legionella in social housing, including the responsibilities of landlords and how best to prevent it causing an issue
Safety & Regulation
multiply and spread, it raises the chance of people becoming infected with Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease causes inflammation of the lungs and is a very serious
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form of pneumonia which can prove fatal. Legionella bacteria are responsible for triggering this infection. In every instance where the disease occurs, the affected person has inhaled droplets of the contaminated water supply. This occurs in mist or spray form.
HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE’S APPROVED CODE OF PRACTICE L8 Every landlord must ensure their properties are safe for use. This includes assessing the safety of the water systems used in their buildings. Social housing must be fit for purpose and pose no danger to those staying there. The Health & Safety Executive’s ACOP L8 provides guidance on what
landlords should do to ensure they meet all legal requirements regarding the control of Legionella bacteria. This includes conducting a risk assessment and reviewing that assessment regularly to ensure it still stands. Any changes to the water systems or to the property would require a review to determine whether the risk assessment should be changed in any way.
egionella bacteria are present in natural water sources. It can also find its way into manmade water systems such as those found in social housing. Low levels are not dangerous, but if the bacteria are permitted to
Every landlord must ensure their properties are safe for use, and this includes assessing the safety of the water systems used in their buildings
HOW IMPORTANT IS GOOD MANAGEMENT OF A WATER SYSTEM? Very important. If the water systems are not properly managed, Legionella bacteria may be given the opportunity to spread through the system and grow to unsafe levels. All properties are different – some may require more upkeep and maintenance than others. By considering all elements of the water system in the risk assessment, appropriate steps can be taken to ensure its ongoing safety. Some landlords will request legionella services from an outside firm. However, they still remain responsible for the maintenance and safety of the property.
CAN LANDLORDS PERFORM THEIR OWN LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENTS? Yes, landlords can do their own Legionella risk assessments, although many may choose to hire an expert, and there are many good reasons for this. Competency
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMM October/November 2019 | 49
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