What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
A legionella risk assessment is a systematic review of the water systems in a premises to identify whether conditions could allow legionella bacteria to grow and spread. Its purpose is to assess the level of risk and decide what control measures are needed to reduce that risk to an acceptable level.
It looks at every aspect of your water systems – storage, temperature, system design, usage patterns and maintenance arrangements – and considers who may be exposed and how severe the consequences could be if controls fail.
Every Part of Your Water System
A thorough, proportionate assessment covering all the factors that influence legionella risk.
Water Storage
Tanks, cylinders and calorifiers reviewed for condition and turnover.
Temperature
Hot and cold supply temperatures checked against safe control ranges.
System Design
Pipework, dead legs and layout assessed for stagnation risk.
Usage Patterns
Low-use outlets and occupancy changes that allow bacteria to grow.
Maintenance
Cleaning, flushing and monitoring arrangements reviewed.
Who’s at Risk
Residents, patients, visitors, contractors and staff considered.
Who Needs a Legionella Risk Assessment?
Responsibility sits with the duty holder – the person with overall control of the premises or water system.
Competent person required. The assessment must always be carried out by a competent person – the duty holder, someone in your organisation with sufficient knowledge, training and experience, or an external specialist. Quodox Energy’s assessors take that responsibility off your hands.
How to Do a Legionella Risk Assessment
It doesn’t need to be complicated – but it should be thorough and proportionate to the level of risk.
Identify the Hazards
Examine water systems and equipment that could allow legionella bacteria to grow and spread.
Determine Who Might Be Harmed
Consider employees, residents, visitors, contractors and members of the public – and how they could be exposed.
Evaluate Risks & Set Controls
Decide on suitable control measures such as temperature controls, flushing regimes, cleaning and maintenance.
Record Your Findings
Document significant risks identified and the control measures put in place.
Monitor, Review & Update
Review regularly – and whenever the water system, building use or occupancy changes.
What Your Records Must Include
Recording your findings is a vital part of the process.
The person responsible for conducting the risk assessment.
Any significant findings of the risk assessment.
The control measures, and where and how they have been implemented.
State of operation of the water system, including parts not in use and arrangements to monitor or remove them.
Results of monitoring, inspections, tests or checks, with the dates they occurred.
Records of monitoring, inspections, tests and checks must be kept for as long as they are current and relevant – and for at least five years from the date of the last entry.
Want to Learn More?
Our Legionella & Legionnaires’ Disease Awareness training helps duty holders understand their responsibilities and manage the risks effectively.
Ready to Book Your Legionella Risk Assessment?
Provide us with the property details and a suitable date – our team manages everything from booking to certification.
Book Now