WATER MANAGEMENT

Most commercial buildings will have some sort of water system in place. The most common of these water systems is a hot and cold water system but some buildings may also have storage tanks, dry/wet cooling systems, spa pools, emergency showers or other types of water systems.

Whatever water system your building has, it could pose a risk to your employees, building users and members of the public. Legionella bacteria can be found in purpose-built water systems. If the water systems are not properly maintained this bacteria may grow and increase the risk of Legionnaire’s disease or similar, but less serious, conditions of Pontiac fever and Lochgoilhead fever).

LEGISLATION

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 all require the management of risk, including the risk from Legionella bacteria.

More detailed guidance on how to manage and control risks associated with Legionella bacteria are set out within the Approved Code of Practice: Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems (L8).

If you are an employer, or in control of the building, you must ensure that:

  • Sources of risk are identified and assessed
  • Risks are managed
  • Risks are prevented or controlled
  • Correct records are kept and maintained
  • You carry out any other duties which you may have (for example, notifying the Local Authority of cooling towers or evaporative condensers which are on site).

WHAT WE CAN DO

We can assess the risks associated with the water systems which are present in your building(s) and determine the correct control mechanisms to prevent or control the risks identified, culminating in a risk management plan.  We can also conduct periodic monitoring and remedial activities which form part of the risk management plan.

KEY SERVICES

Water risk assessments
Water risk management plans
Periodic monitoring (e.g. temperature checks)
Remedial and maintenance work (e.g. de-scaling)
Legionella awareness training