Legionella Risk Assessment Manchester
Protecting people and property from legionella risks.
Legionella bacteria can pose serious health risks, but effective risk management keeps your water systems safe and compliant. Grey Knight Solutions Ltd provides professional legionella risk assessments in line with HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 and
HSG274.
Legionella Risk Assessment Cover
Care Homes: Protecting residents through safe water management.
Dental Practices: Ensuring compliance with HTM 01-05 and waterline safety.
Schools and Educational Facilities: Preventing bacterial growth in underused systems.
Offices: Identifying and controlling potential Legionella sources.
Hotels and Leisure: Maintaining guest safety and regulatory compliance.
Manufacturing and Industrial Facilities: Managing complex water systems effectively.
Legionella Risk Assessment ensures you fully protect your people and property by maintaining compliance.
This service includes:
- Full site inspection and system mapping
- Identification of Legionella risks and control measures
- Recommendations for temperature control, cleaning, and monitoring
- Comprehensive written report and management plan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can grow in water systems and cause Legionnaires’ disease — a potentially serious form of pneumonia. The bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water found in systems such as water tanks, cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing networks.
What is a Legionella Risk Assessment?
A Legionella Risk Assessment is a detailed inspection of your building’s water systems to identify potential sources of bacterial growth and evaluate the level of risk. The assessment ensures you have adequate control measures in place to protect staff, tenants, and visitors from exposure.
Who needs a Legionella Risk Assessment?
You are legally required to have a Legionella Risk Assessment if you:
• Own or manage commercial premises
• Operate hotels, offices, gyms, schools, or care homes
• Provide rental or shared accommodation
• Have water systems such as tanks, showers, or cooling systems
Even small businesses or single-property landlords must ensure risks are properly assessed and controlled.
How often should a Legionella Risk Assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed at least every two years, or sooner if:
• The water system changes or is modified
• There’s a change in building use or occupancy
• Legionella control measures fail or monitoring results indicate risk
• There’s evidence of Legionella contamination
What does a Legionella Risk Assessment include?
A professional assessment typically covers:
• Site inspection and review of water systems
• Identification of potential Legionella risk areas
• Temperature testing and system sampling
• Evaluation of current control measures
• Recommendations for corrective actions
• A written risk assessment report with photographic evidence
Who can carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment?
It must be conducted by a competent and qualified assessor with appropriate training, experience, and understanding of water hygiene.
At [Your Company Name], our assessors follow HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) and HSG274 guidance.
Is a Legionella Risk Assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Under Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2002, all employers, landlords, and those responsible for premises must assess and manage the risk of Legionella.
This applies to all commercial and rented properties with water systems.
What are the signs of Legionella contamination?
Legionella cannot be seen or smelled in water, but early warning signs include:
• Infrequent water system use
• Poor temperature control (between 20°C–45°C)
• Slime or scale buildup in pipes or tanks
• Poor maintenance or lack of flushing in unused outlets
Regular monitoring and testing are the only reliable ways to identify risk.
What happens if Legionella bacteria is found?
If bacteria are detected, immediate control measures are taken, which may include:
• System disinfection and flushing
• Temperature correction
• Pipework cleaning or removal of stagnant sections
• Review and update of your water management plan
We’ll provide full guidance to restore compliance quickly and safely.
What are the legal consequences of non-compliance?
Failure to manage Legionella risks can result in:
• Fines or prosecution under the Health & Safety at Work Act
• Business closure or enforcement notices
• Civil liability in the event of an outbreak
• Reputation damage and loss of client trust
Regular assessments and maintenance ensure your business remains compliant and safe.
What documentation will I receive?
After your assessment, you’ll receive a comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment Report that includes:
• Detailed findings and system diagrams
• Photographs and temperature records
• Risk ratings and action priorities
• Recommendations for ongoing control and monitoring
How long does a Legionella Risk Assessment take?
This depends on your premises’ size and water system complexity.
Small offices or rental properties may take a few hours, while large sites (like hotels or factories) may take longer. We’ll provide a clear timeline before we start.
How can Grey Knight Solutions help?
We provide a full range of Legionella control services, including:
• Legionella risk assessments and surveys
• Water sampling and testing
• System cleaning and disinfection
• Written schemes of control
• Staff training and compliance support
Our goal is to ensure you meet HSE ACOP L8 and HSG274 compliance with minimal disruption to your operations.
Contact us
Get in touch today to schedule your legionella risk assessment today. Protect your staff and visitors.