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020 4532 7773The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) produces a document titled Legionnaires' disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems (Approved Code of Practice and guidance on regulations, L8 ACOP fourth edition 2013). Although this is a guidance document, it has a specific legal status, meaning organisations can be prosecuted for failing to follow the recommendations defined within it.
For employers with five or more employees and landlords of domestic rental properties in London, there is a legal duty to assess the risk from exposure to Legionella to ensure the safety of tenants, employees and visitors.
The practical and proportionate application of health and safety law means that where properties are vacant and stagnant water is present, a Legionella risk assessment is recommended.
In these situations, cleaning, flushing and chlorination of domestic pipework and cold water storage tanks (where applicable) are often required before the system can be safely brought back into use. This is particularly important for rental properties and commercial buildings across London where water systems may not be in constant use.
In systems where cold water is stored, or where dead legs or redundant pipework are present, there is an increased health and safety risk due to stored or stagnant water. In these cases, a Legionella risk assessment is required to ensure risks are identified and any necessary remedial works are carried out, along with further monitoring if required.
We recommend carrying out a Legionella risk assessment every two years, or more frequently where the system is considered higher risk. The assessment will review the water system, how it is used and who may be exposed.
The risk assessment will recommend any maintenance, remedial works or monitoring needed to manage the risk effectively. For low-risk systems, it may identify that no further action is required.
Upon completion of the assessment, a certificate will be provided clearly highlighting the level of risk and any recommendations, helping demonstrate compliance with HSE guidance.
If a system is found to pose a high risk and water sampling is required, London Water Treatment can provide a UKAS-certified Legionella sampling service.
London Water Treatment also provides Legionella disinfection and water hygiene services for pipework and water systems in accordance with BS8558 standards, supporting landlords and businesses across London.
Other simple control measures to help reduce the risk of exposure to Legionella include:
