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Management and control of Legionella

Policy

Policy summary

This policy outlines the Forces responsibility to manage and control the threat of Legionella within their premises. The Force has a responsibility to comply with the requirements detailed in the HSE Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (ref. L8), “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”. Referred to as “L8 ACOP” in this document.

Aim The aim of this policy is to explain:

what legionella is; what your responsibilities are; and how the force will:

manage risk; raise awareness of standards; and ensure compliance with specific statutory requirements.

Scope This policy applies to:

all cold water systems: domestic showers; domestic hot water systems; ancillary plant; and air conditioning plant. No new water systems will be introduced and no changes made to water systems unless they have first been authorised by the relevant site responsible person.

Definitions The Duty holder is defined as:

(a) the employer, where the risk from their undertaking is to their employees or to others; or

(b) a self-employed person, where there is a risk from their undertaking to themselves or to others; or

(c) the person who is in control of premises or systems in connection with work where the risk is present from systems in the building (e.g. where a building is let to tenants but the landlord retains responsibility for its maintenance).

Legislation and guidance

This policy complies with the: L8 – The Control of Legionella bacteria in water systems – Approved

Code of Practice & Guidance 2000. The Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations 1999

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Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Sections 2, 3 and 4 (HSW). Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002,

Regulation 6 (COSHH). The Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988.The Water

Supply (Water fittings) Regulations 1999. The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000. BS 8558:2011 Guide to the design, installation, testing and

maintenance of services supplying water for domestic use within buildings and their curtilages. Specification and BS EN 806-2:2005 (Partially replaces BS 6700:1997).

Food Act 1990.

Further guidance

The appendix to the Policy gives background information on legionella.

Admin Last reviewed: March 2013 Scheduled for review: March 2017