Legislation under the guidance of ACOP L8 requires a Water Services Risk Assessment to be carried out on all premises where a work activity takes place.

The feedback from the large portfolio of assessments undertaken by ourselves shows a preference for our simple, clear and concise approach. In short, our reports aim to communicate clearly with our diverse present and future client base, outlining the why’s, do’s and don’ts rather than providing tables and graphs that suggest that risk can be given a designated score rating. As more and more people become aware of their responsibilities with regard to The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems, it is important not to deter necessary actions because of the fear factor and continual reference to figures rather than facts.

In real terms, if buildings are totally mains fed with small capacity water heaters, the risk will be ‘almost’ negligible; however any competent assessor would still advocate at least a temperature regime. Thus, to be absolutely certain, a risk assessment will at least provide peace of mind and / or highlight any remedial action required. We have to view Legionnaires Disease in the same light as we do asbestosis. Prosecutions are few and far between, but most agree that it is only a matter of time before there is a major one. Buildings containing open water-cooling systems are the most vulnerable, especially in the eyes of the media; however the bacteria can be found in any system and is known to proliferate in hot water systems (where temperatures are poorly maintained) and most alarmingly in showers.