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Introduction Managing Legionella risk isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a critical part of protecting building occupants and maintaining safe water systems. For landlords, facilities managers, and duty holders, keeping accurate records is essential. That’s where a Legionella compliance logbook becomes invaluable. What Is a Legionella Compliance Logbook? A Legionella compliance logbook is a…
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A Simple Oversight… But a Common Risk During a recent site visit, I came across something that’s often overlooked — a hose left permanently connected to a tap. At first glance, it might seem harmless. After all, hoses are used regularly for cleaning, maintenance, or general site tasks. However, from a water hygiene and Legionella…
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Educational buildings contain a wide variety of water systems, from simple wash basins and staff kitchenettes to complex laboratories, cooling equipment and student accommodation. Because these systems operate under different conditions and usage patterns, effective Legionella control is essential for schools, colleges and universities. Educational facilities also experience seasonal changes in occupancy, such as school…
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Do landlords need a Legionella risk assessment? Yes. Landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria in rental properties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). In practice, this means landlords must: Guidance is…
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After more than 20 years carrying out Legionella risk assessments across the UK, I’ve inspected hundreds of water systems in buildings including hotels, offices, schools, hospitals and residential properties. Despite improvements in water hygiene management and clearer guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), many of the same Legionella risks still appear during inspections…
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Recent news reports have highlighted an investigation into a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in parts of London, prompting renewed attention on water safety and Legionella control in buildings across the capital. Health officials from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are currently investigating several reported cases linked to areas of north-west and south-west London.…
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Introduction A Legionella audit is not simply a paperwork exercise. It is an assessment of whether you are effectively controlling the risk within your water systems and whether you can demonstrate that control through clear documentation. What Triggers an Audit? Audits may occur as part of internal compliance reviews, external consultancy inspections, client due diligence,…
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Introduction For many organisations, Legionella compliance records have traditionally been kept in paper folders. However, as compliance expectations increase and audits become more structured, digital logbooks are becoming the preferred solution. Understanding the differences is key to maintaining defensible compliance. The Problem with Paper Logbooks Paper systems are often inconsistent, incomplete, and difficult to review.…
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Introduction If you are responsible for managing a building’s water system, you must not only control the risk of Legionella — you must be able to demonstrate that control. Demonstration means documentation. If monitoring is not recorded properly, it cannot be proven. Legal Requirements Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Control…
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Introduction If you are responsible for a building’s water system, you are legally required to assess, manage, and monitor the risk of Legionella. What many duty holders misunderstand is that monitoring alone is not enough. Records must be kept. If it is not documented, it has not been done. What the Law Requires Under the…