Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease, can thrive in water systems, posing a significant health risk to individuals exposed to contaminated water sources. If you run a business, you may be wondering if you need to have a legionella risk assessment carried out. Not only can a risk assessment protect the health and well-being of employees, visitors, and occupants, but it can also help to ensure that your business is complying with the relevant health and safety regulations. Read on to find out why assessing the risk of Legionella is crucial for many businesses across various industries.
Key Signs Your Business Might Need An Assessment
Utilising Water Systems
If your business utilises water systems as part of its operations, a legionella risk assessment will likely be necessary. This includes hot and cold water systems and cooling towers, as well as any water outlets. Safeguarding against potential Legionella contamination in these systems is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone interacting with your business environment. Keep in mind that larger and more complex water systems typically pose higher risks, making more regular legionella risk assessments necessary.
Low Use Water Areas
A legionella risk assessment could be required if you have areas with low water usage or standing water, such as taps or showers that aren’t used frequently or at all. These areas can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria and present potential risks of Legionella contamination. Assessing these areas through a legionella risk assessment is vital to identify and mitigate any potential health hazards.
Meeting Legal Obligations
Depending on the nature of your business, you may find that you have a legal obligation to conduct regular legionella risk assessments to ensure water safety and prevent potential outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease. Businesses in healthcare, hospitality, leisure and other commercial sectors are required to comply with these regulations, and failure to do so can result in various penalties, including steep fines and legal consequences.
Consult With A Legionella Risk Assessor
To find out if your business requires a legionella risk assessment, we strongly recommend consulting with a legionella risk assessor. At Swiftclean, we are highly experienced in carrying out legionella risk assessments, allowing us to provide expert guidance that’s tailored to your specific business operations. We can advise you on your legal obligations, helping to ensure that you’re complying with the law. Keep in mind that even if your initial assessment doesn’t suggest that a legionella risk assessment is necessary, your water systems should be reviewed regularly to reassess the risks.
If you’re ready to find out more about our legionella risk assessment services, get in touch. Call us on 0800 243 471 to discuss your requirements with one of the team. Alternatively, send us an email to info@swiftclean.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as promptly as we can.
