The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued new guidance for landlords and letting agents to control the threat of legionnaire’s disease to tenants.
The HSE want landlords or their managing agents, to carry out risk assessments for legionnaire’s disease, and if necessary, take action.
The revised Approved Code of Practice: “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems,” underlines the legal requirements for landlords and managing agents to ensure that the potential risk to tenants from exposure to the legionella bacteria from all water systems in UK PRS residential rental properties is controlled.
The new guidance insists that landlords and property management / lettings agents must carry out risk assessments to identify and assess potential sources of exposure, and steps take to prevent or control any risk that is identified and record details on all aspects of their risk assessment controls, keeping records for at least five years.
Landlords and property managing agents need to be aware that the legionella bacteria can thrive and multiply in hot or cold water systems and storage tanks, and be spread throughout the property by showers and taps.
Risk assessments should include assessing whether conditions are right for bacteria to flourish and the following items should all be checked or inspected:
- In water temperatures between 20C and 45C.
- Water Storage Tanks, (inc header tanks)
- Thermostatic mixing valves
- Debris in the system
- Infrequently used outlets
- Areas of stagnant water
Steps taken to control the threat of legionnaire’s disease include disinfecting the system, ensuring water cannot stagnate anywhere, insulating all pipework, and keeping water tanks and cisterns free of debris and covered at all times.
Tenants should also be advised about potential risks and told to take precautions such as flushing through showers they rarely use.
Anyone with concerns can contact their local Health and Safety Executive (HSE) office or Local Authority Environmental Health Department.
