The Testing Lab PLC Legionella Legislation
Water is something we all take for granted but there are specific Laws and Acts that help us, you and all duty holders ensure it is kept safe. Below are just a few paragraphs from L8.
The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 gives advice on the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (the HSW Act)1 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)2 and applies to the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria (the causative agent of legionellosis, including Legionnaires’ disease). In particular it gives guidance on sections 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the HSW Act and regulations 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 of COSHH. The Code also gives guidance on compliance with the relevant parts of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (the Management Regulations).3
L8 is for dutyholders, which includes employers and those with responsibilities for the control of premises, eg landlords. To comply with their legal duties, dutyholders should:
(a) identify and assess sources of risk. This includes checking whether conditions will encourage bacteria to multiply. For example, if the water temperature is between 20–45 °C, if there is a means of creating and disseminating breathable droplets, such as the aerosol created, eg by cooling towers, showers and spa pools; and if there are ‘at risk’ susceptible people who may be exposed to the contaminated aerosols.
(b) if appropriate, prepare a written scheme for preventing or controlling the risk.
(c) implement, manage and monitor precautions – if control measures are to remain effective, regular monitoring of the systems and control measures is essential. Monitoring general bacterial numbers can indicate whether you are achieving microbiological control and sampling for legionella is another means of checking that a system is under control.
(d) keep records of the precautions.
(e) appoint a competent person with sufficient authority and knowledge of the installation to help take the measures needed to comply with the law.
3 The Code and guidance also set out the responsibilities of suppliers of services such as water treatment and maintenance; and designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers of systems.
The full code of practice is available on the HSE web site in pdf format and if you cant find it please do not hesitate to ask TTL by email to forward you a copy.
Water kills – Take it seriously – we do!
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