At SMS Environmental we ensure we maintain in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements, and common issues that organisations can confront. We provide complementary support to all clients and provide a range of Legionella control services including risk assessments and monitoring services to ensure your water systems continue to operate safely.
If you are an employer, or someone in control of premises, including landlords, you must understand the health risks associated with legionella.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/what-you-must-do.htm
All businesses and organisations with public access to their water have a legal duty to ensure that a legionella risk assessment is in place. In the event of an outbreak of legionnaires’ disease, the authorities will require evidence of risk assessment, with further evidence that if risks have been identified that the appropriate monitoring and maintenance has been undertaken. Without evidence in place organisations will be open to a number of significant enforcement option open to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Failure to meet with the required compliance requirements may result in prosecution and litigation.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 details wide-ranging duties on employers. For example, employers must protect the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, visitors and the general public.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999
The sixth edition of this Approved Code of Practice and guidance provides practical advice to help dutyholders comply with the requirements of the COSHH Regulations.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities.
Legionnaires’ Disease – The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
Aimed at dutyholders, including employers, those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others, to help them comply with their legal duties in relation to legionella.
HSE - Health and Safety Guidance 274 Part 1-3
The single most useful document in providing the HSE's practical guidance for the prevention and control of legionella bacterium within your premises.
Fee for intervention (FFI)
If you are found to be in material breach of health and safety law, you will have to pay for the time it takes us to identify the breach and help you put things right. This is called a fee for intervention (FFI).