Staying on the Right Side
of Legionella Law
New rules on legionella risk assessment and control get tougher
R
ecent changes to
legionella regulations
by the health and safety
executive (HSE) have put
greater responsibility on businesses to
Legionnaires' disease.
With symptoms resembling the common
cold, this disease can be even more
difficult to diagnose at first glance.
Government is keen to crack down on
premises at risk. The Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) has issued new guidelines
called the L8 Approved Code of Practice
(ACoP), fourth edition. These guidelines
actively manage the legionella risk in
Although everyone is susceptible to the risk
are accompanied by technical guidance
their water systems. Businesses failing
of infection, the likelihood is exacerbated
documents in three parts to make it easier
to meet the new regulations could face
with age and in people with weaker immune
for businesses to comply with the law.
prosecution as part of a concerted effort
systems such as diabetics, smokers and
to drive improvements in the sector. Here
heavy drinkers.
Dr. Simona Vasilescu, from the Water
While the concentration of legionella
Treatment Innovation Platform at NCH
specific people of responsibility within
bacteria is relatively low in nature, it can
Europe, looks at what businesses need to
them. 'Dutyholders' such as employers,
quickly multiply upon entering a business's
do to stay in control.
landlords and those in-charge of any
water supply. The warm, humid conditions
site, now have a legal responsibility to
Ingested, the bacterium Legionella
created by stagnant water in storage tanks,
identify and manage the risk of exposure
pneumophilia is relatively harmless. After
heat exchangers and miles of piping,
to legionella, develop preventative and
all, it exists in low numbers in natural water
provide a thriving breeding-ground that
control measures, ensure the process is
sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
can quickly harbour a breakout.
recorded using a regularly updated, 'living
However, trapped in a microscopic droplet
Regulatory reform
document' and appoint a competent
of water vapour and breathed into your
lungs, it can lead to the potentially fatal
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PECM Issue 20
To drive improvements in the health
and safety of people at work, the UK
The new rules now increase the
responsibility on companies and on
authority to implement the control
measures.