Legionella Risk Assessment

Legionella Risk Assessment

Legionella Risk Assessments – Protect Your Property and Occupants from Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling small droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria can grow and spread through various water systems, particularly when water is stagnant or maintained at temperatures that encourage bacterial growth.

Common sources include:

• Showers and taps (especially if not used regularly)

• Air conditioning units and evaporative cooling systems

• Humidifiers and spa pools

• Water storage tanks and pipework

To prevent the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, it’s essential to carry out a Legionella risk assessment—a process designed to identify, manage, and mitigate potential risks in your property’s water system.

What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment involves a comprehensive inspection of your property's water systems by a qualified professional. The assessment is used to evaluate the potential for Legionella bacteria to grow and spread, helping ensure your water supply is safe for use.

During the assessment, the engineer will:

• Identify areas where stagnant water may be present

• Check water temperatures (Legionella thrives between 20°C and 45°C)

• Inspect cold and hot water tanks, pipework, outlets, and other system components

• Look for scale, corrosion, biofilm, and sediment build-up

• Review water usage patterns and system design

• Assess the potential for aerosol formation (e.g. from showers or spray taps)

What You’ll Receive

Following the assessment, you will be provided with a detailed written report that includes:

• A summary of the engineer’s findings

• Identification of hazards and potential risks

• Recommendations for corrective actions (e.g. temperature control, flushing routines, cleaning, and disinfection)

• Advice on ongoing monitoring and maintenance

This documentation can be essential for demonstrating compliance with health and safety regulations.

Legal Responsibilities for Landlords

If you’re a landlord or property manager, managing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease is a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). You must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of your tenants by:

• Carrying out regular Legionella risk assessments

• Taking appropriate action to control identified risks

• Keeping accurate records of assessments and control measures

It is strongly advised that you use a qualified engineer to carry out the assessment. Mistakes in assessing or managing Legionella risk can result in serious health consequences and legal liability.

How Often Should a Legionella Risk Assessment Be Done?

We recommend carrying out a Legionella risk assessment:

• Before each new tenancy begins

• Whenever changes are made to the water system

• At least every two years, or more frequently if needed (e.g. if issues are found)

Regular assessments ensure your system remains safe and that your legal responsibilities are met.

Book a Legionella Risk Assessment in York and Surrounding Areas

At Lets Test, we provide professional Legionella risk assessments in York and North Yorkshire, helping landlords, letting agents, businesses, and homeowners stay safe and compliant. Our experienced engineers follow industry best practices and will guide you through any remedial steps if needed.

Contact us today to speak with our team or to book a Legionella risk assessment for your property. We’re here to help you protect your occupants and stay on the right side of the law.