Water

PHS Compliance offers a complete range of water hygiene services from legionella risk assessments, microbiological sampling, chemical de-scaling, site monitoring and tank replacement/refurbishment. We will establish a suitable treatment regime for all water hygiene needs to ensure total compliance with ACOP L8 and the Workplace Directive.

Why test water systems?
Legionaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia, caused by rod-shaped bacteria belonging to the genus Legionella. The bacterium has been found to be common in soil and water, flourishing especially in warm, moist environments such as cooling towers and evapoartive condensers.

The Health Protection Agency estimates that arond 300-350 cases of Legionaires’ disease are reported each year in the UK, some resulting in deaths. Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted typically by inhaling mist from a contaminated water source. This risk can be minimised by following the Approved Code of Practice by the HSE.

ACoP L8
The ACoP L8 is a Health and Safety Executive document and applies to:
“The control of Legionella bacteria in any undertaking involving a work activity and to premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking where water is stored and where there is a means of creating and transmitting water droplets which may be inhaled, thereby causing a reasonably forseeable risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.”

Where can Legionella bacteria exist?
Water systems incorporating a cooling tower
Water systems incorporating an evaporative condenser
Hot and Cold water systems
Other plant and systems containing water which is likely to exceed 20 degrees C and which may release a spray or aerosol during operation or when being maintained.

What are your legal duties?
As someone responsible for the facilities of your organisation, ACoP L8 stipulates these five basic principles you should follow to comply with your legal duties to protect users of your water systems from the risk of Legionella bacteria.

1. Identify and assess sources of risk
2. Prepare a written scheme for preventing or controlling the risk
3. Implement , manage and monitor precautions
4. Keep records of the precautions
5. Appoint a person to be managerially responsible

For more information on our water hygiene solutions download this guide.

Further information for:

• Facilities and Building Managers
• Legionella control in Health Care Premises
• Housing Associations and Local Authorities