Safewater Solutions - Legionella Testing Commercial and Managed Properties

Commercial and Residential Rental Properties

Call us now on 0800 320 2037 to arrange for your Legionella testing kit to be sent out.

Our video demonstrates how easy it is to use one of our Legionella testing kits.

Residential Rental Properties

Landlords of domestic rental properties have a duty of care under Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) to assess the risk from exposure to Legionella to ensure the safety of their tenants. However, this does not require an in-depth, detailed assessment. The risks from hot and cold water systems in most residential settings are generally considered to be low owing to regular water usage and turnover.

It is important that water is not allowed to stagnate within the water system and so there should be careful management of properties left vacant for extended periods, e.g. between lettings. As a general principle, outlets on hot and cold water systems should be used at least once a week to maintain a degree of water flow and minimise the chances of stagnation.

Commercial Properties

The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) gives practical advice on the control of legionella in water systems (L8). Detailling the specific checks that are required on Hot and cold Water systems, particularly tasks relating to flushing infrequently used outlets and monitoring of water temperatures.

Whether you are a landlord, managing agent or employer, if you are responsible for the control of the premises, you must comply with the requirements of the HSE’s ACOP on the Control of Legionella in Water Systems (L8). This means that you must minimise the risk of your tenants and staff coming into contact with the legionella bacteria and contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.

Who is most at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease?

People that are at risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease are those who: Have weakened or supressed immune systems, due to age or certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or following organ transplantation; Have heart conditions or bronchitic synonyms, including asthma; Smoke or have alcohol or drug dependency problems.

At some time or another, you will almost certainly have patients visiting the practice who fall into the ‘at risk’ categories for contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.

Where does Legionella bacteria come from and what causes it to grow?

Legionella bacteria are naturally found in the environment, usually in ponds, streams and reservoirs. Small but not dangerous numbers can be found int the hot and cold supply.

Poor temperature control within a water system, deadlegs in pipework and taps and showers that are infrequently used and not regularly flushed, can cause the bacteria to grow very quickly. At this point, there is a real risk of people contracting Legionnaires’ Disease.

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