There are few who would deny that there are substantial financial pressures on the budgets of every Facilities Manager – so why spend money on Legionella control? First and foremost, a documented Legionella Control strategy is not an option – it is a requirement for any premises covered by the Health & Safety at Work Act. A well set out Legionella control program also gives many economic benefits, including increased heat-exchange efficiency, better water quality and the opportunity to reduce hot water temperatures.
The consequences for non-compliance are severe. The building owner and “responsible person” (most often the facilities manager) are personally liable for non-compliance, and can face criminal charges and imprisonment in the event of deaths being caused.

In January 2001, the Health & Safety Commission (HSC) consolidated a number of existing Codes of Practice, Guides, Technical Memoranda and Notes into a single document, entitled “The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems – Approved Code of Practice & Guidance” (L8). The code of practice gives practical guidance with respect to sections 2, 3, 4
and 6 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and on Regulations 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 1999.
The code has a special legal status – it is the HSC’s interpretation of the various Acts with regards to the control of dangerous bacteria that can cause Legionnaires Disease. If the measures described in the Approved Code of Practice are not followed, then it will be up to the responsible person to prove to any court that other reasonable measures were taken.
Organisations ignore L8 at their peril. We strongly advise you to fully read and implement the code. Copies of the code are available directly from HSE Books on 01787 881165, quoting ISBN 0 7176 1772 6.

The basic requirements of L8 can be summarised as follows:
•A risk assessment to be carried out in order to identify and assess sources of
risk
•Establishment of clear management responsibility for the water system. This
person must be technically competent, or have access to suitable support from
specialists
•A written scheme to prevent or control the risk
•Manage and monitor the programme. It is stressed that regular monitoring of
the system and whatever controls are put in place is essential
•Comprehensive record keeping