Hot and cold water temperatures should be checked monthly at various points throughout the water system. These temperatures should then be recorded so they can be monitored over time to help improve the management of legionella risks and the control processes in place.
Legionellosis is a condition caused by Legionella bacteria, which affects the respiratory system. The bacteria can spread in man-made hot and cold water systems if the temperature allows this to happen. The prime temperature for the bacteria to proliferate at is between 20 – 45 degrees Celsius (68-113 F).
The more serious form of the condition is known as Legionnaires’ disease which is a serious infection of the lungs and is usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water.
McLennan have the expertise to carry out water testing for you to help avoid the risk of legionella, please contact our team for more information on how we can support you with all of your water testing needs.
L8 Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) was revised and republished in November 2013 and retained the guidance on the requirements of HSWA and COSHH for employers AND those with responsibilities for the control of premises including landlords (L8 ACOP, paragraphs 1 and 2). It applies to the control of Legionella bacteria in any undertaking involving a work activity AND applies to premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking where water is used or stored and there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria (L8 ACOP, paragraph 22).
