the value of a proper risk assessment
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Nemco Utilities group of expertise consultants provides premium service on proper risk assesment on Legionella diseases.TRANSCRIPT
BY: CHARLES
The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
www.nemco-utilities.co.uk
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
Completion of a ‘suitable and sufficient’ Legionella risk assessment has long been a requirement under ACOP L8 (the original ACOP being published in ’91 and HSG 70 before that). The guidance also makes numerous other recommendations for ongoing control programmes; however the starting point and basis for the management programme should always be a comprehensive risk assessment.
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
Although many simple risk assessments can be completed in-house, even relatively small buildings can have complex water systems and it is usual for the ‘Responsible Person’ to seek external
competent help. It is not uncommon that premises instigate a programme of monthly temperature checks and leave out the risk assessment, or have the assessment completed every 2 years without acting on the findings.
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
It is worth remembering that even though routine temperature monitoring results may indicate no problems; this does not mean there are not areas which could harbour bacteria e.g. deadlegs / secondary return standby pumps. Similarly being aware of the risks and not acting on them could be seen as even worse!
Although relatively few Legionella cases have made it all the way through to the law courts (a trend that is surely set change) the most common failings are either lack of proper risk assessment / inadequate risk assessment or failure to act on the findings of the assessment.
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
A good example being the high profile Barrow in Furness case, highlighted within the post case report were both of the aforementioned.
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
A proper Legionella Risk Assessment is central to compliance with all current Legionella guidance. Emphasis is placed on both client and service provider and we have recently seen a service provider prosecuted for inadequate assessment. With BS8580 now in place this should provide clients with a good benchmark of what to expect from their report. Not completing an assessment at all could leave the door wide open for prosecution.
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The Value of a Proper Risk Assessment
Contact Us:MailNemco Utilities Ltd12 Kempson WayHillside Business ParkBury St EdmundsSuffolkIP32 7EA
Telephone: 01284 724503
Fax No.: 01284 724826
[email protected]@[email protected]
Website: www.Nemco-Utilities.co.uk
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