Legionella risk isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a legal and operational responsibility for every commercial property owner and manager
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Open Access Government
With increasing scrutiny and the potential health risks involved, understanding how to properly assess and manage legionella in your water systems is essential. A compliant, well-executed risk assessment not only safeguards people but also protects your business from legal and reputational harm.
Understanding Your Legal Duty on Legionella Risk
It is a legal requirement for all commercial property owners and managers to assess the risk posed by legionella bacteria. This assessment must be both “suitable” and “sufficient” in line with health and safety regulations. As water systems in commercial buildings become more complex – due to the increasing number of outlets, components and system configurations – the need for external expert assistance becomes more common and often necessary.
Guidance and Standards for Risk Assessments
There is clear and established guidance outlining what a comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA) must include. This guidance is provided by the British Standard BS8580-1 and the Legionella Control Association (LCA) Service Delivery Standard. Following these standards ensures the assessment is carried out in a thorough and compliant manner.
HC Legionella is a registered member of the LCA and delivers assessments in accordance with both BS8580-1 and LCA requirements. Their services cover hot and cold-water systems, as well as more complex systems such as those found in healthcare environments.
What Should Be Included in an LRA?
Both BS8580-1 and the LCA make it clear that your risk assessment must identify all relevant risks associated with your water systems. These risks include the inherent risk, which refers to the danger if no controls are in place; the residual risk, which reflects the current level of risk on the day of assessment; and the ALARP level, which stands for “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” – the goal for risk reduction under real-world operating conditions. Each water system in your building should be evaluated using these three categories.
A key requirement of both BS8580-1 and the LCA is the use of CATES risk scoring. This framework allows the assessor to quantify and prioritise the level of risk, ensuring that decisions are based on structured, consistent criteria.
Who Holds the Legal Responsibility?
The responsibility for commissioning a Legionella Risk Assessment lies with the duty holder. This is typically the business owner or the most senior person in the organisation. While the duty holder may appoint a responsible person to manage daily Legionella control measures, legal accountability remains with the duty holder. This structure allows the responsible person to carry out operational tasks while ensuring leadership remains informed and in control of overall risk.
Why It Matters for Your Business
One of the most important outcomes of a professional LRA is the identification of specific tasks required to manage and reduce legionella risk effectively. These tasks, once identified, should form part of your ongoing compliance and health and safety strategy. A well-executed LRA ensures that nothing is overlooked and that your business remains compliant with legal obligations while protecting the health and safety of employees, clients and the public.
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