Every year, hundreds of people in the UK contract Legionnaires’ disease, a severe lung infection that around 10% of cases prove fatal. Contracting this disease isn’t unavoidable; it is quite preventable if the proper measures are taken to prevent the growth of the bacteria that causes it. That’s where your responsibility as a landlord comes in. When did you last have a Legionella risk assessment carried out at your property?
If the answer is never or not for at least a year, then it’s time you get one. Here’s why:
Legionella is all around us.
Legionella bacteria can be commonly found in natural water sources, such as lakes and rivers. However, levels occurring in natural environments are usually not high enough to pose a threat when we’re exposed to them.
In contrast, man-made environments, such as water storage units, air conditioning systems, and other water systems in kitchens and bathrooms, can present an ideal breeding ground for Legionella to multiply to dangerous levels. These bacteria thrive exceptionally well at water temperatures between 20–45°C.
Legionella can be controlled with a Legionella risk assessment for landlords.
Legionella likes warm, slow-moving water to grow. A Legionella risk assessment carried out for your residential property can help identify potential risks and suggest how to mitigate or eliminate them. For example, instantaneous water heaters can be used to avoid the use of water storage tanks, and control settings on hot water cylinders can be set to 60°C.
As a landlord, UK legislation, namely the L8 Approved Code of Practice, states that you must assess the Legionella exposure risk to tenants on your p
remises. This is why our legionella risk assessment for landlords is vital.
To ensure you fully comply with current legislation, Legionella and Fire Safe Services are to help with a comprehensive Legionella risk assessment for landlords. Discover more about our services and ensure you meet your landlord responsibilities today.
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