Overview
A legionella risk assessment is the starting point of every compliant water management programme. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH, anyone in control of premises must identify and assess the risk from legionella bacteria and put controls in place. Our assessors survey your hot and cold water systems, record what they find and give you a prioritised action plan you can actually work through.
What is included
- Full survey of hot and cold water services, tanks, calorifiers, water heaters and outlets
- Temperature profiling of sentinel and representative outlets
- Identification of dead legs, little-used outlets and stagnation points
- Up-to-date water system schematic drawing
- Risk rating for each asset with photographs
- Prioritised remedial action plan with clear timescales
- Written scheme of control and monitoring schedule
- Review of existing records, log books and the appointed responsible person
Who needs it
Landlords and letting agents, managing agents, offices, schools, nurseries, care homes, healthcare and dental practices, hotels, gyms, factories and any workplace with a water system.
How often
HSE guidance says the assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to think it is no longer valid, such as alterations to the system, a change of use, a change in the people at risk or poor monitoring results. Many duty holders choose a review at least every two years as good practice.
Legislation and standards
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, COSHH Regulations 2002, HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 and technical guidance HSG274.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legionella risk assessment cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the building. Published UK prices range from around £70 for a small flat to several thousand pounds for large sites. See our cost guide or ask us for a fixed quote.
Who is responsible for a legionella risk assessment?
The duty holder: the employer, landlord or person in control of the premises. They can appoint a competent person or contractor to carry it out, but the legal duty stays with them.
Is a legionella risk assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Duty holders must assess the risk from legionella. For simple domestic properties the assessment can be proportionate and brief, but it still needs to happen and the findings should be recorded.
How long does a legionella risk assessment take?
A typical rented flat or house takes under an hour on site. A small office or shop takes a few hours. Large sites such as schools, hotels or care homes can take a day or more, depending on the number of outlets and plant rooms.
Do I need a legionella test as well?
Not usually. Routine water sampling is not a legal requirement for most domestic properties. The risk assessment decides whether sampling is needed, for example in healthcare settings, after remedial works or where temperatures cannot be controlled.
What happens after the assessment?
You receive a report with a remedial plan and a monitoring schedule. We can carry out the remedial works and ongoing monitoring for you, or train your own staff to do it.
Legionella Risk Assessment across the UK
We provide legionella risk assessment in every part of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Choose a city for local information: