Understanding the Risks of Legionella in Rental Properties
The risk of Legionella may not be as well-known as carbon monoxide poisoning or fire, but it is yet another threat to a tenant’s health. As for the other risks, landlords have specific obligations to manage the risk. Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The legionella bacteria can cause fevers, headaches, shortness of breath, coughing, and nausea, with older people with lung issues or poor immune systems being particularly at risk.
What is Legionella and Why is it a Concern for Landlords?
Legionella can grow in all hot and cold artificial water systems that provide the right environment to allow the bacteria cells to multiply. As a landlord renting a property, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of your tenants. This means keeping your property free from health hazards in accordance with UK legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the HSE’s L8 Approved Code of Practice.
Managing the Risks of Legionella
Conducting the appropriate risk assessments determines Legionella’s risk, enabling landlords to understand where there are risks and put in place measures to mitigate them. The frequency of risk assessments for Legionella will vary, with properties in regular use requiring less frequent assessments than older properties or those where water systems are left standing for long periods. Following a risk assessment, certain control measures can be implemented to help reduce the risk of illness, including controlling water temperature, preventing water stagnation, flushing water systems, keeping water tanks covered, controlling the release of water vapour, and removing redundant pipework.
Who Can Assess the Legionella Risk?
When conducting a risk assessment for Legionella, a professionally trained or accredited assessor isn’t required, but the assessment must be conducted by a competent person who understands the risk of Legionella and where it may lurk within the property. With this specialist knowledge, you can conduct thorough assessments and put tenants at risk. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the risks and take necessary measures to mitigate them.
Seeking Professional Help
The experienced team at No Letting Go regularly conducts Legionella risk assessments pre-tenancy and continues to ensure that properties are well-maintained and remain a safe place to live or work in through their mid-tenancy assessments and end-of-tenancy services. By working with a reputable and trustworthy partner, landlords can ensure they are fulfilling their obligations and providing a safe environment for their tenants.
For more information on Legionella, its risks, and how to manage them, visit Here
