Health and Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive

LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE

AND GAS SAFETY:

Landlords’ responsibilities

Sue Matthews

HM Inspector of Health and Safety

WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE? HOW DO PEOPLE CATCH IT?

* Legionnaires’ disease caused by Legionella bacteria

• Serious form of pneumonia - fatal in at least 10% of cases

• Transmitted by aerosols

• Legionella bacteria present in many water systems

• Growth range 20 – 45 C ⁰

WHAT ARE MY DUTIES AS A LANDLORD?

• Comply with Section 3(1) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and COSHH Regulations 2002

• Read FAQ on HSE website - “As a landlord what are my duties?” http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/faqs.htm

• Carry out a Legionella risk assessment

• Manage the risk

WATER SYSTEM DESIGN

• Tanks - small enough to ensure daily turnover

- covered to prevent ingress of dirt

• No dead-legs e.g. pipework stubs, unused baths

• Avoid use of flexible hoses

• Only use contractors with Legionella awareness to work on your water systems

KEEP WATER SYSTEMS CLEAN

• Check water tanks regularly – clean if dirty

• Flush water systems - after plumbing work and if premises left empty

• Descale shower heads and hoses before occupation and advise tenants to do this

• Maintain TMVs (thermostatic mixing valves)

KEY CONTROL MEASURE - WATER TEMPERATURE

• Keep cold water below 20 C (within 2 ⁰minutes) – insulate water tanks, high turnover

• Keep hot water above 50 C (within 1 ⁰minute)

• Set calorifiers (water heaters) to 60 C - ⁰advise tenants not to adjust them

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

• Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease pages of HSE website www.hse.gov.uk

• Legionnaires’ disease - A brief guide for dutyholders INDG 458

• Legionnaires’ disease The control of legionella bacteria in water systems ACOP L8

• ACOP L8 Part 2: Technical guidance

See Checklist on pages 33-35

LANDLORDS’ DUTIES - GAS SAFETY

• Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 – INDG285(rev2)

• Maintain gas fittings and flues in a safe condition

• Annual gas safety checks by Gas Safe registered engineer

• Keep records

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON AN LGSR

WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON AN ID CARD

ANY QUESTIONS?