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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, Iāve 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 Legionnairesā 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 buildingās water system, you must not only control the risk of Legionella ā 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 buildingās 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…
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Introduction Setting up a Legionella logbook is not about creating paperwork for the sake of it. It is about creating a structured system that demonstrates control of your water systems. When built correctly, a digital logbook becomes the backbone of compliance. Step 1 ā Define Responsibility Clearly Identify the duty holder and responsible person. Record…
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If you have recently been told you need a Legionella risk assessment, you are not alone. Manylandlords, business owners and managing agents first hear about it when purchasing a property,taking on a new tenancy, responding to insurer requests, or reviewing compliance obligations. Thisguide explains in simple terms what a Legionella risk assessment is, why you…
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Legionella risk assessments are a vital part of managing safe water systems, but many organisations are unsure how often they should be reviewed ā or when a review becomes essential. With buildings, usage patterns, and regulations constantly evolving, relying on an outdated assessment can leave hidden risks unchecked. This blog explores how frequently Legionella risk…