Regulation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 were revised in April 2014 to include domestic hot and cold-water systems.
A full legionella risk assessment report is recommended every two years or sooner if there is a change of tenant.
As a private Landlord you have a responsibility to make sure the property is safe for use by your tenants, visitors and other people.
Section 28, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
“ A risk assessment must be carried out to identify an assess the exposure to legionella bacteria from water systems on the premises and any precautionary measures need. The duty holder is responsible for ensuring the risk assessment is carried out”.
So what is Legionella?
Legionella bacteria can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease occurs naturally, but may colonise and take over manmade water systems such as those found inside buildings if given the right conditions to do so. For most Landlords, a basic risk assessment will suffice, as with a domestic house with tenants regularly occupying he property, the risks are minimal. However, if the property was vacant for several weeks, there would be a risk of standing water in pipework and these conditions can encourage the growth of bacteria, including legionella but regular flushing of the water in the system on a weekly basis would likely suffice in reducing risks to a manageable level.
Although a written report is not necessary, keeping a formal record of all risk assessments and steps taken to control the risks is prudent to ensure you can produce record if requested.
PIIM – Property Inventory & Inspections Management can add this record to our inventory and inspection reports, and where necessary instruct a professional company on your behalf.