Lothian PAT Testing can offer a professional, compliant Legionella Risk Assessment in Edinburgh and Lothians to Landlords, Letting Agents and Housing Associations. Assessing any water outlet that produces aerosols is a key part of a Legionella Risk Assessment as is examining cold water storage tanks (if present). Shower heads are also a well-recognised source of Legionella infection and these are examined whilst carrying out the assessment. Dead legs (redundant pipework) are also something we will be looking out for whilst carrying out our assessment.
If a premises has been vacant for some time, it is also important that all water outlets are ran and flushed through removing any standing water ahead of a tenant moving in to the property.
A Legionella Risk Assessment is the first step to ensuring compliance with the HSE's ACOP L8. Legionella risk assessments need to be carried out by a competent person which also includes the landlord if they know what to look out for. They would also need to document their findings accordingly. However we have carried out many assessments in properties which have had assessments carried out by landlords in the past and some risks had not been highlighted. Therefore if you are not prepared to climb in to lofts or examine all of the property then we recommend getting a third party to do this for you. For as little as £50+Vat (our price for Edinburgh customers) this takes away the risk of missing something or injuring yourself whilst entering shared loft spaces!
As a landlord, regardless of the type of property you manage you have a responsible to make sure the property is safe for use by your tenants.
This is because you are considered to be operating a business by the safety regulators and must therefore comply with current health and safety laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, ACOP L8 and other important documentation.
The common misconception is that only properties with water tanks require a landlord legionella risk assessment however this is simply not true as all rented properties require one.
Many landlords with combi-boilers in Edinburgh believe all their outlets are fed directly from the mains however this is not always true as tanks in the shared loft space can still be supplying water to the cold outlets in the bathroom. Carrying out the assessment can confirm if this is the case and highlight an unsuitable or dirty tank if present.
Mygov.scot says on their website Make Sure You Have Carried Out A Legionella Risk Assessment. This information on landlord legionella risk assessments can be found here: https://www.mygov.scot/renting-your-property-out/your-responsibilities/
The HSE (Health & Safety Executive) state on their website :
The law is clear that if you are a landlord and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home) then you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant by keeping the property safe and free from health hazards. They also say on their website : There is a legal duty for landlords to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria.
Further information regarding Legionella and Legionella Risk Assessments is detailed below:
Legionella is a type of harmful bacteria associated with water systems, including water storage tanks, showerheads, dead legs (redundant pipework) and jacuzzis often found in landlord properties. When the bacteria become waterborne in the form of vapour or mist then they can be breathed in by occupants of the property and have the potential to cause a range of serious pneumonia-like illnesses.
It is thought that around 300 - 400 people are noted as being affected by legionella bacteria each year. I know you may think this isn't a massive number however the health effects can be serious which is why it is paramount landlords try to reduce the risk.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have provide guidance on this :
It is called the Approved Code Of Practise L8.
This code of practise displays the guidelines and legal requirements for duty holders (Normally Landlords) with regards to managing the risk of legionella bacteria.
The duty holder has a responsibility to assess the risk of legionella within a rental property. Domestic properties are relatively low risk and no water samples are required to be taken whilst carrying out the legionella risk assessment.
Link below to HSEs ACOP L8
https://legionellacontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/hse-acop-l8-legionnaires-disease-the%20control-of-legionella-in-water-systems.pdf
If you require a Legionella Risk Assessment in Edinburgh give us a call on 07570 080429 or drop us an email to lothianpattesting@mail.com