Legionella Services

Yes. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH), all employers and landlords in control of premises have a legal duty to control the risk of Legionella bacteria. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACoP L8) is the primary guidance document. Whether you run a dental practice, an office block, a warehouse, or a rental property, if you have a water system, you are required to assess the risk. Bison Assist provides the “competent person” required to perform this assessment, ensuring you meet these strict regulatory standards

This is a common misconception. Previously, guidance suggested assessments be redone every two years. However, ACoP L8 current guidance states that the assessment should be reviewed “regularly” and specifically whenever there is a reason to suspect it is no longer valid. This includes changes to the water system, changes to the use of the building, or if the current control measures are no longer working. While the mandatory “2-year” date is gone, Bison Assist generally recommends a biennial (every 2 years) review as best practice to ensure water hygiene and compliance are maintained.

es. Landlords have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their tenants, which includes keeping the property free from health hazards like Legionella. While the risk in small residential houses is generally lower than in large commercial buildings with cooling towers, you are still legally required to assess the risk. A professional Bison Assist assessment is the safest way to prove you have met your duty of care should a tenant fall ill or if a dispute arises.

Our visits are non-intrusive and efficient. A qualified Bison assessor will survey your water system, from the tanks to the taps. We check water temperatures (Legionella thrives between 20°C and 45°C), inspect the condition of water tanks (looking for rust, sludge, or stagnation), and identify “dead legs” in your pipework where water might sit stagnant. We then provide you with a clear, jargon-free report detailing any remedial actions needed to keep your water safe.

As with other safety assessments, the law requires the person conducting the assessment to be competent. This means having sufficient knowledge of water systems, the specific bacteria, and the detailed requirements of ACoP L8. If you miss a hidden risk—such as a rarely used shower head or an incorrectly insulated pipe—and an outbreak occurs, you could be liable for prosecution. Utilising a Bison Assist expert removes this burden, ensuring the assessment is technically accurate and legally robust.