Is Legionella testing a legal requirement?
There is a legal duty for landlords to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, but they are not required to conduct a professional assessment or test. A professional risk assessment is not a formal legal requirement, however, it’s a good way to ensure your water supply is safe.
What regulations cover Legionella?
Essentially the two most prominent pieces of legislation which govern (and have far-reaching protocols therein) legionella control and prevention are the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation (1994).
Does my business need a Legionella risk assessment?
By law, businesses must have a legionella risk assessment carried out on their property. If you do not have proof of a risk assessment carried out by a competent assessor, it’s very important that you get one arranged as soon as possible.
When must you carry out a Legionella test?
It depends on the system that you have and the outcome of your risk assessment. For open systems, such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and spa pools etc, routine testing should be carried out at least quarterly. However, there may be circumstances were more frequent sampling may be required.
Is legionella reportable under Riddor?
In addition, under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), you must report any cases of legionellosis in an employee who has worked on cooling towers or hot and cold water systems that are likely to be contaminated with legionella.
Who is the statutory duty holder for legionella?
You would be recognised by the regulator for health and safety issues, in this case the Health & Safety Executive, as the statutory duty holder as you own and have a responsibility to manage and keep safe the water systems within that building.
Can Legionella survive in air?
Outdoors, legionella bacteria survive in soil and water, but rarely cause infections. However, legionella bacteria can multiply in water systems made by humans, such as air conditioners.
How far can legionella bacteria travel?
Until recently, the maximum distance of transmission of Legionella was considered to be ∼3 km [8]. However, in a cooling tower‐related outbreak in Pas‐de‐Calais, France, in 2003, a distance of 6–7 km was suggested [12]. The present outbreak demonstrates even farther spread.
Is Legionella reportable under Riddor?
Who is the duty holder for Legionella?
The Duty Holder, also known as the Statutory Duty Holder, is the owner or Managing Director of the company, has the overall responsibility for the building and water systems and is accountable for the safety of employees and users by Law. The Duty Holder is the only one that is able to appoint a Responsible person.
Can I do my own legionella risk assessment?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), anyone with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to manage health and safety can do a Legionella risk assessment. Most landlords, employers, and property managers can do a Legionella risk assessment on their own.
What are the laws and regulations for Legionella?
The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and requires actions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect drinking water and its sources—rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, Suggested Citation: “5 Regulations and Guidelines on Legionella Control in Water Systems.”
How do we manage Legionella in water systems?
In the United States, management of Legionella in water systems occurs on an ad hoc basis, spanning from regulations that require some buildings to have water management plans that include monitoring of water samples for Legionella along with treatment, to no requirements at all.
What is Legionella and how is it spread?
Legionella are bacteria that are found naturally in freshwater sources. Legionella can grow and spread in artificial and human-made water systems, such as hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains, and large buildings with complex water systems.
When are facilities required to notify the DOH of Legionella contamination?
When 30 percent or more of Legionella culture samples contain Legionella, regardless of species, facilities are required to institute control measures, resample their water system, and notify the NYS DOH. (This 30 percent threshold stems from the Allegheny County guidance mentioned in a subsequent section.)