Question 1

What is the current regulation/guidance that I need to take into account to manage the risk from legionella at my site?

Accepted Answer

The Health and Safety Executive publish the Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 - The control of legionella bacteria in water systems and the guidance document HSG 274, both of which are available from HSE books.
 
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Question 2

I only have a small mains fed water system with low volume water heaters.  Do I still need a legionella risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

If the property where the water system is installed falls under the Health and Safety at Work etc.. Act 1974, then yes, any domestic water system within requires a legionella risk assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
 
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Question 3

I look after a healthcare property.  Is there any extra guidance aside from L8 that we need to follow?

Accepted Answer

There is a guidance document provided by the Deparment of Health called HTM 04.01 that details the considerations required for legionella control in healthcare premeis.
 
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Question 4

At what water temperature will legionella bacteria be killed?

Accepted Answer

Legionella bacteria will die within two minutes at 60°C or above.  Therefore, all water heaters with a capacity greater than 15 litres should be able to heat their entire contents to greater than 60°C.  60°C is recognised as a pasteurisation temperature for legionella.
 
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Question 5

What information do I need to hold in a site logbook?

Accepted Answer

In order to be able to demonstrate that your water systems are effictively managed, your site logbook should contain; Management structure and contact information, your legionella risk assessment, an up to date schematic of the water system, your written scheme, procedures for emergencies and a record of the monitoring and maintenance tasks identified in your written scheme.
 
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