Controlling Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
What You Need To Do?
 
The identification and assessment of the foreseeable risk caused by Legionella Bacteria are covered by the following statutory regulations:
 
1.      Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 - Regulation 6.
2.      Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulation 3).
3.      Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (Sections 2, 3 and 4).
 
Statute requires the 'responsible person' to identify and assess the risk of exposure to Legionella Bacteria from work activity and / or water systems on the premises. As part of this study consideration should be given to harmful bacteria in storm water. The 'responsible person' is either:
 
(a)         the employer, where the risk is from their undertaking / operation to others; or
(b)         the self employed, where there is a risk from their undertaking to either themselves or others; or
(c)         where a person controls and / or maintains a premises where building systems present a risk to tenants.
 
Water systems would include the following
 
�          Water systems incorporating a cooling tower.
�          Water systems incorporating an evaporative condenser.
�          Hot and cold water systems.
�          Other plant systems containing water which is likely to exceed 20� C and which produce spray or aerosol during operation or when being maintained.
 
In simple terms you need to identify the foreseeable risk if you are the 'responsible person'.