When people think about water safety, they usually picture clean drinking water or functioning taps. What many don’t realise is that poorly maintained water systems can hide a serious health threat: Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires’ disease.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling tiny droplets of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, with optimal growth at 32°C - 42°C. Risks increase when water outlets are rarely used, water becomes stagnant, circulation is poor, or systems are not properly maintained.
People with weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or recent organ transplants, as well as adults over 65 and people with lung conditions or a history of smoking, are most vulnerable.
Who is Responsible for Water Safety in the UK?
In the UK, responsibility for safe water systems lies with the duty holder. This could be an employer, building owner, landlord, or managing agent. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH regulations, duty holders must identify, assess, and control the risk of Legionella.
Failure to comply can result in fines, prosecution, or enforcement action, especially if businesses cannot show that they’ve monitored risks, implemented control measures, and maintained accurate records.
Why Legionella Risk Assessments are Essential
Any building with a hot and cold water system can create conditions for Legionella growth. That includes offices, shops, factories, warehouses, and other commercial buildings, as well as sites with showers, cooling towers, humidifiers, or spa pools. Buildings with water tanks, rarely used taps, or complex plumbing systems also require regular assessments because stagnant water significantly increases bacterial risk.
Under UK law, employers, landlords, and anyone responsible for a workplace water system must identify and control Legionella risks, making risk assessments a vital part of maintaining safe workplaces.
Simple Steps to Maintain Water Hygiene
Maintaining water hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated. Effective measures include:
- Flushing rarely used outlets
- Keeping hot and cold water outside Legionella’s growth range
- Descaling and cleaning showerheads and taps
- Ensuring proper water circulation
Regular monitoring, record-keeping, and maintenance routines reduce stagnant water and prevent Legionella from thriving.
How Bradley Environmental Can Help
At Bradley Environmental, we specialise in Legionella and Water Hygiene Risk Management for commercial, retail, and industrial buildings. With years of experience, we provide practical, cost-effective solutions to keep your business compliant and protect your staff and customers.
Get a free quotation or learn more about our services and training by contacting us today.