Legionella Risk Assessments
Cheadle & Cheshire

Why do I need a Legionella Risk Asessment?

Since January 2015 the Health and safety Executive require legionella testing for UK private and social rented domestic accommodation. Legionella / Legionnaires risk assessment surveys are required for all domestic UK rented properties.

The germ, which causes Legionnaires' disease, is a bacterium called Legionella pneumophila. People catch Legionnaires' disease by inhaling small droplets of water suspended in the air, which contain the Legionella bacterium.

This latest research, combined with earlier studies, now suggests the responsible bacteria often grow in the biological slime lining residential hot water pipes and domestic central heating systems, and that home water may be responsible for up to 20% of cases.

Legionnaires in petri dish

What's involved?

A CRB checked surveyor will carry out a 30-45 minute Legionella risk assessment survey on the hot and cold water system within the property and then provide you with I.O.S.H certification upon completion. The certificate is valid for two years.

We cover Greater Manchester and Cheshire postcodes. For domestic properties, our prices start from £75.00 inc. VAT for certified inspection survey. Water sampling and testing is available from £80.00 inc. VAT

Please get in touch for commercial and industrial property pricing.

Toilet water sample

Who is responsible?

It is the responsibility of the duty holder to ensure that an assessment is carried out to identify and assess the risk of exposure to Legionella to water systems and to put in place any necessary precautions.

The duty holder appoints a person to take day-to-day responsibility for controlling any identified risk from Legionella bacteria.

The appointed “responsible person” needs to have:

  • Sufficient standing and authority within an organization (e.g. a manager or director) and competence and knowledge of the system to ensure that all operational procedures are carried out in a timely and effective manner
  • A clear understanding of their duties and the overall health and safety management structure and policy in the organization.

Property to let

Identifying and assessing sources of risk

  • There are sources of nutrients such as rust, sludge, scale, organic matter and biofilms
  • The conditions are likely to encourage bacteria to multiply
  • It is possible for water droplets to be produced and, if so, whether they can be dispersed over a wide area, e.g. showers and aerosols from other water outlets or sources
  • It is likely that any residents, visitors etc. are more susceptible to infection due to age, illness, a weakened immune system etc. and whether they could be exposed to any contaminated water droplets

Water test

Why choose us?

Certified Assessors

Our assessors are CRB checked and accredited by IOSH - the chartered body for health and safety professionals

Comprehensive Analysis

We provide detailed assessments with a focus on accuracy and transparency, offering clear insights into your property's legionella risk

Quick turnaround

We prioritize efficiency to ensure that you receive your certificate promptly, allowing you to move forward with your property transactions without delays.

Regulatory Compliance

We stay updated on the latest regulations and testing methods to ensure your property meets or exceeds compliance requirements.

Advice for landlords

Guidance on Legionnaires' Disease for Landlords - House of Commons clarification 01.10.2015

Landlords of residential accommodation have responsibilities for combating Legionnaires' Disease. Health and safety legislation requires that landlords carry out risk assessments for the Legionella bacteria which cause Legionnaires' Disease and thereafter maintain control measures to minimise the risk.

Most rented premises will be low risk but it is important that risk assessments are carried out and control measures introduced.

This note is intended to give a brief guide to what the landlord should do. Further advice is available from the Health & Safety Executive.

What is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' Disease is a pneumonia like illness caused by the Legionella bacteria and can be fatal. The infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria. The disease cannot be passed from one person to another.

Legionella bacteria are found in the natural environment and may contaminate and grow in water systems, including domestic hot and cold water systems. They survive low temperatures and thrive at temperatures between 20 - 45°C if the conditions are right. They are killed by high temperatures at 60°C or above.

Risk Assessments

Landlords are under a duty to ensure that the risk of exposure to tenants, residents and visitors by Legionella is properly assessed and controlled.

For most residential settings the risk assessment may well show the risks are low so long as simple control measures referred to in the next section are followed. This will apply to houses or flats with small domestic type water systems where the water turnover is high.

Provided the risk assessment shows that the risks are insignificant and the control measures are being properly managed no further action would be necessary. It is important, however, to keep the assessment under review periodically in case anything changes to the system.

Book your assessment now