Take care – not all Legionella assessors are equal

Your organisation knows it has a legal obligation to protect staff and customers from deadly Legionella, and you update your risk assessments regularly. But how can you be certain that the assessors you choose are up to scratch?

At Bison Assist, we often get calls from business owners worried about who they should select to keep their water systems safe. The answer’s simple, according to Bison CEO Chris Hickman – choose risk assessors who are registered with the Legionella Control Association.

“It can be difficult for business owners and managers to know who to turn to for Legionella advice,” says Chris. “There are many organisations out there offering to help, and some of them offer what looks like a cheap deal.

“We’d like to urge everyone to make sure their provider is a member of the LCA. It means they have excellent credentials, and you can be sure their assessments on your behalf are properly done – we would hate for anyone to think they have done their duty with regard to infection control only to find out they have been let down.”

The Legionella Control Association (LCA) is a voluntary independent organisation whose members provide services and products concerned with the control of legionella bacteria in water systems. The not-for-profit association has close links with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other public health authorities.

The LCA says: “Our primary aim is to keep water systems safe and minimise the risk of cases of Legionnaires’ disease caused by poorly maintained systems.”

Member organisations such as Bison Assist pledge to follow a Recommended Code of Conduct with nine Service Provider Commitments. 

Chris says: “As LCA members, we have drawn up an approved Statement of Compliance for Commitment that makes sure we establish and make maintain excellent management systems for our Legionella control services.”

It means Bison’s fully-trained Legionella risk assessors follow strict procedures when they come to carry out your risk assessments, and offer highly professional advice and guidance whenever you need it.

Chris said: “Good Legionella control is incredibly important for your organisation. Not only is it your legal responsibility, but the disease can also cause severe illness and even death. So make sure you get the best advice – always seek out LCA members like Bison to keep your risk assessments up to date and keep everyone safe.”

More resources for you:

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