Measures are required by law to manage the risk of Legionella exposure for workers as outlined in is The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (S.I. No. 10 of 2005).
In addition to the Health & Safety of employees it is essential that building owners, facility managers etc. maintain their water systems to a recognised standard to ensure they discharge their duty of care to visitors, patients, residents and personnel on adjacent sites.
The Legionella Risk Assessment documents the installation and operation of all water systems on site and assesses the potential risk of Legionella growth within these systems. The risk assessment is completed referencing all relevant guidance and legislation including amongst others:
• Health Protection Surveillance Centre, National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland, 2009.
• HSE document L8 – Legionnaires Disease, The control of legionella bacteria in water systems: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance.
The Legionella Risk Assessment is presented in a concise report and includes a documented summary of all plant, photographic supporting evidence, assessment of current policies and procedures, water sampling results and water system schematics and an asset register if required. In accordance with guidelines, Safecon aims to:
• Identify and assess sources of potential risk;
• Prepare a scheme for preventing or controlling the risk;
• Provide guidance on implementation, management and monitoring of precautions;
• Document managerial responsibilities and those responsible.