Legionella Risk Assessment
Where temperature change occurs in an enclosed body of water, the risks of Legionella can increase. This is why a risk assessment of your hot & cold water systems is essential.
A risk assessment has two aims: to identify potential hazards, and to determine what control regimes are needed in place to mitigate this risk.
In the case of a Legionella risk assessment, the aim is to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in man-made water systems. These regimes typically include water treatment, temperature control, regular cleaning and maintenance, risk assessment, monitoring, and staff training.
By implementing these regimes, the risk of Legionella-related illnesses can be minimized, protecting public health and ensuring safe water systems. To begin, we need to identify what level of risk is in place.
How We Can Help
At 4i Water Services, our expert technicians have years of experience working across the commercial sectors, supporting water systems in a range of industries. We know what your water system needs, and can carry out thorough testing and assessment to determine your level of Legionella risk, these high-risk areas, and what steps are needed to counter, reduce and mitigate this risk effectively.
We are also happy to work alongside your own personnel: we can support your team in enacting their own infection control by providing audit services, as well as the required monitoring paperwork and logbooks. Alternatively, following an assessment, we can enact these control regime measures for you.
Book a Legionella Risk Assessment
Everyone is different, from the water system and level of risk to the way your team operates. At 4i Water Service, we do everything with you in mind: get in touch today to discuss how we can respond to concerns that legionella may be in your water supply.
If you believe that you or anyone you know has been infected with Legionnaires’ Disease, take a look at the NHS advice and contact a medical professional.
FAQs
Growth is most likely in systems that are inadequately managed, with key contributing factors including:
-Water temperatures in the range of 20 °C to 45 °C
-Stagnation or low turnover of water
-Deficiencies in system design, operation, or maintenance
-The presence of scale, sludge, or biofilm within pipework and storage facilities
Effective system design, routine monitoring, and the implementation of appropriate control measures are essential to minimise the risk of Legionella proliferation.
- The size and complexity of the building
- The number of water outlets and associated systems
- The nature of the premises (e.g. office, healthcare, or leisure facilities)
For most commercial properties, fees typically commence from several hundred pounds. Commissioning a competent assessment can help mitigate significantly greater costs in the future, including those associated with health risks, regulatory enforcement action, and reputational impact.
Such systems are particularly beneficial in circumstances where:
- Temperature control is challenging to maintain
- The water system is complex or subject to intermittent or low usage
- Additional control measures are required to enhance system protection
- Identify and assess the risk of Legionella
- Implement appropriate control measures to manage that risk
- Maintain accurate records of all actions taken
- Regularly review and update control measures
These obligations apply to the majority of non-domestic premises, including offices, educational establishments, healthcare facilities, leisure centres, and residential blocks.
This is of particular concern as the illness can be severe, especially in older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those with underlying health conditions. As a result, businesses and building owners have a legal obligation to identify, assess, and manage the associated risks.