Legionella compliance is often one of those elements of running a business or managing a property that gets short shrift. It is either forgotten about (because, unless you deal with water hygiene and legionella control day in day out like we do at Assured, why would you even think of it?), put to one side because it’s thought to be complicated or unimportant (it’s actually neither of these things), or done but not really considered or correct.
Don’t worry. If you fall into any of the above categories, or even if there is another reason that your legionella compliance isn’t up to scratch or up to date, we’re here to help you get it done. We can show you that it can be simplified. Here are some ways to do it.
Have An Expert On Hand
As mentioned above, you probably aren’t thinking about legionella control 24/7. You’ve got lots of other things to do, and your legionella compliance is really only a small component of your job. So in order to truly make it simpler and get it done right, it’s a good idea to have an expert on hand.
At Assured Water, we are that expert for a large number of workplaces and buildings across London and the Home Counties. We will ensure that your working practices are in line with ACOP L8 and HSG274 which require you to demonstrate accurate reporting and that you have the right controls in place.
Have An Asset Register
You might be in charge of a number of different sites. You might be in charge of a huge complex of buildings. You might be in charge of one building that has been added to again and again over the years. You might be in charge of one building that has lots of water heaters, tanks, showers, and more. If you are, having an asset register – one that is kept up to date and accurate – is going to really help in many different ways, including making your legionella compliance simpler.
A detailed asset register will show you (and anyone else who needs to know) exactly where each part of your building’s water system is. It will show how many of each item you have, and what serves what. Not only does this mean that every element will be checked and tested, but it also means that if you do have a legionella problem it will be easier to pinpoint where the issue has started.
Have A Schedule of Tests and Tasks
If you have stored water within the building you are managing and have responsibility for, then you will need to carry out a series of different checks and tests to ensure you are keeping your potential legionella risk under control. This can, of course, be carried out by a water treatment and legionella control expert, and it is certainly simpler to outsource the water sampling and regular tank cleans and chlorinations than it is to attempt this yourself – especially if you want to keep on the right side of the guidance.
So that you know exactly what is happening and what needs to be done, it’s a good idea to draw up a schedule of these tests and tasks. That way, you can make sure that the tests are being done on time and that nothing is missed. The more complicated the water system is, the easier it is to miss things out, so writing it down (with the help of your water hygiene management company) means you’re in control.