Category Water Sampling

The laws you need to comply with

Legionella hasn’t made big headlines since the 1970’s when it was first identified after infecting 234 people at a conference and killing 34 of them. The reason it isn’t in the news so much today, is because the UK’s Health and Safety Executive realise just how deadly Legionnaires’ disease can be and have enforced a barrage of legislation to make sure organisations take action to prevent outbreaks of this lung infection. The first step to ensuring your organisation stays compliant – getting a Legionella risk assessment.

Why a Legionnaires risk assessment is vital

Every year there are around 500 cases in the UK. Even modern medicine can’t save them all. Those responsible face millions of pounds in fines. We are of course talking about Legionnaires disease, a potentially fatal lung infection, which can be avoided if an effective Legionella risk assessment is carried out and taken action on.

To ensure their patients safety and health during appointments, each practice has the duty of care to carry out risk assessments. Its purpose is to maintain safety and reduce accidents, injuries and identify faults. This process is also designed to protect the practice staff. In fact, businesses with five or more employees are legally obliged under the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 to carry out regular risk assessments.

Having a risk assessment in a care home it’s a legal requirement, especially because of the vulnerable nature of its residents. Visitors, like family or agency professionals also need protecting, alongside staff exposed to slippery surfaces and tripping hazards, for example. You will need in the first place to observe and evaluate the risks residents/staff/visitors might be exposed to and make sure you take appropriate measures to minimise these risks.