What the Law Says About Legionella Risk Assessments in the UK
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease – a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.
This risk is well known to health authorities, and UK law requires property owners, landlords, and duty holders to take proactive steps to prevent it.
Whether you manage a rental property in Doncaster or oversee a large commercial facility, you have a legal responsibility to ensure your water systems are safe.
Why the Law Exists
Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks have occurred in workplaces, hotels, care homes, and even domestic housing.
Investigations often reveal that poor water system maintenance – such as lukewarm hot water, stagnant tanks, or unused outlets – allowed bacteria to multiply.
The law exists to ensure such risks are identified early and controlled effectively.
The Key Legislation and Guidance
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers and those in control of premises to protect people from health risks, including Legionella.
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Classifies Legionella as a hazardous substance that must be assessed and managed.
- Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 – Official HSE guidance on identifying and controlling Legionella risk.
- HSG274 – Technical advice for hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, and other at-risk installations.
Together, these set out your duties and the standards expected when carrying out Legionella risk assessments.
What This Means for Property Owners and Managers
If you own or manage any property with a water system, you must:
- Conduct a formal Legionella risk assessment
- Keep clear records of inspections and maintenance
- Implement a written scheme of control to manage risk
- Review and update your assessment regularly – at least every two years or sooner if systems change
Failure to do so can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), financial penalties, or prosecution in serious cases.
Doncaster-Specific Considerations
Properties in Doncaster range from older Victorian terraces with traditional hot water cylinders to modern business parks with pressurised systems.
Both can present Legionella risks if not properly maintained. Older properties may have long, unused pipe runs (“dead legs”), while modern systems can suffer from incorrect temperature control if poorly commissioned.
Local industries such as food production, warehousing, and care services often require more rigorous Legionella controls due to the vulnerability of their occupants or the complexity of their systems.
Your Next Steps
If you are a landlord, business owner, or facilities manager in Doncaster, the simplest way to stay compliant is to arrange a professional Legionella risk assessment.
This will:
- Identify hazards in your system
- Recommend remedial actions
- Provide the documentation you need to prove compliance if inspected
You can also learn more by visiting these related pages:
- The Role of the Responsible Person for Legionella Control
- How to Write a Legionella Written Scheme of Control
- What the Law Says About Legionella Risk Assessments in the UK
Book Your Legionella Risk Assessment in Doncaster
Call, text Whatsapp or contact us online today to arrange your assessment and ensure you meet all legal obligations under ACOP L8 and HSG274.
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