Legionella Risk Assessment (LRA)
What Is A Legionella Risk Assessment?
A Legionella Risk Assessment (or LRA), is an a property audit that establishes the presence of Legionella bacteria. Carrying out an LRA in your property helps identify any potential risks and implement measures to control or eliminate Legionella.
Legionellosis (the collective name for Legionnaires Disease and Pontiac Fever) is a pneumonia-like illness that poses a risk to humans. In some cases, the effects of Legionellosis can prove fatal. For every ten people who contract Legionnaires Disease, one will succumb to it.
Although everyone is susceptible to infection, some people are at higher risk including:
• People over 45 years of age
• Smokers and heavy drinkers
• Those suffering with chronic respiratory and kidney disease
• Anyone with an impaired immune system
Where Are Legionella Bacteria Found?
Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural water systems, such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, although usually low in numbers. Legionella are widespread in the environment but can also contaminate and grow in purpose built water systems. Such examples include cooling towers, evaporative condensers, hot and cold water systems and whirlpool spas. Additionally, other systems including humidifiers, air washers, emergency showers and indoor fountains can also harbour the bacteria.
Legionella Risks In The Workplace
Any water system can potentially be a source for legionella bacteria growth under the right environmental conditions. The risk of Legionella can be increased if:
• Water is stored or re-circulated as part of your system
• The water temperature within the system is between 20–45°C
• There are sources of nutrients, such as rust, sludge, scale and organic matter
• The conditions are likely to encourage bacteria to multiply
• If water droplets can be produced and dispersed over a wide area
• If any of your employees are susceptible to infection from contaminated water droplets due to age, health etc
What To Include In Your Legionella Risk Assessment
Either you or a competent person who understands your water systems and any associated equipment, should be responsible for an LRA.
Included within a Legionella risk assessment should be the following:
• Management responsibilities, including the name of the person and description of the system
• Any potential risk sources
• Any controls currently in place to minimise risk
• Monitoring, inspection and maintenance procedures
• Records of the monitoring results, inspection and checks carried out
• A review date to assess the impact of your measures
An employer or person in control must appoint someone competent to ensure compliance and take responsibility for managing risks. A competent person has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety and control measures. You could appoint one, or a combination of the below:
• Yourself
• One or more workers
• Someone from outside your business, such as us here at Your Property Matters
If you decide that the risks are insignificant and are being properly managed, your assessment is complete. You will not need to take any further action. However, it is important to review your assessment periodically in case anything changes in your system.
Why Choose Us For Your Legionella Risk Assessment?
Fast LRA Service
Appointments are available within 24 hours, 7 days a week. Book a Legionella Risk Assessment for a time and date that suits you and your business needs.
Value For Money
We offer very competitive prices, which represent excellent value for money. When multiple EPCs are required, discounts are available.
A Local Service You Can Trust
Based in Bradford, we pride ourselves on our friendly, reliable and professional service. We ensure transparency throughout, offering free support and advice.
Qualified Experts
Every Legionella Risk Assessment is undertaken by a fully trained expert armed with a wealth of experience, insight and Legionella knowledge.