Legionella Risk Assessments in Newcastle upon Tyne

Now a legal requirement for landlords in the UK

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.

This now includes carrying out a Legionella Risk Assessment. Large fines or even imprisonment can be served for non-compliance.

What is a Legionella?

Legionella is a form of bacteria commonly found in water systems such as water tanks, pipes and air conditioning units. By inhaling small droplets of water containing this bacteria it can cause Legionnaires’ Disease.

Legionella is a bacteria found most commonly in water systems. It causes a pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires’ disease and a mild flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. It exists in water stored at a temperature of between 20 degrees and 45 degrees.

Who is responsible for carrying out a Legionella Risk Assessment?

Landlords and managing agents have a duty to carry out a Legionella risk assessment on the water systems in their properties to judge the potential risk to tenants.

If you feel capable, you can legally compile a risk assessment for your property yourself.

Here’s what you should look for:

• Are conditions right for the bacteria to multiply, e.g. is the water temperature between 20 degrees celsius and 45 degrees celsius?
• Are there areas where stagnant water occurs (dead legs), e.g. pipes to a washing machine that is no longer used?
• Are there infrequently used outlets, e.g. showers, taps?
• Is there debris in the system, such as rust, sludge or scale (often a problem in old metal cisterns), that could provide food for growing legionella?
• Are there thermostatic mixing valves that set a favourable outlet temperature for legionella growth?
• Are any of your employees, residents, visitors, etc, vulnerable to infection? E.g. older people and those already ill.

How we can help:

If you would rather not compile a risk assessment yourself, we offer professional Legionella Risk Assessments in Newcastle upon Tyne and beyond. An assessor will visit your property and compile a report for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

You will then receive a fully completed and compliant Legionella Risk Assessment identifying any risks and relevant recommendations to control the risk to tenants.

This document demonstrates your compliance with the new legislation.

Our clerks are available to compile professional Legionella Risk Assessments in locations across the North East and beyond, including:

• Newcastle
• Cramlington
• Hexham
• Gateshead
• Cramlington
• Ashington
• Blyth

For more information about our Legionella Risk Assessment services, please contact a member of our team today who will be happy to help with your enquiry.