Legionella Risk Assessments

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their tenants which does of course extend to ensuring the water system is safe. At Silver Arch Property Solutions, we offer legionella risk assessments for your Isle of Wight property and will provide you with a full test result report and information leaflet including recommended control measures that can be implemented. Please contact us at info@silverarchps.co.uk or by calling 07368 838213 and we will be happy to help you.

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What is legionella?

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Legionella, or legionnaires as it is also know, is a bacteria found in natural water sources but can also be present in man-made systems. It is an airborne virus that can be spread by simply turning on a tap or using a shower or bath. The bacteria can grow in temperatures between 20°C and 45°C, with its ideal breeding temperature being 37°C. Properties with water tanks are generally more at risk as water can be left to stagnate. 

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Legionnaires disease can be fatal if not treated, with symptoms including high fever, coughing, headaches, nausea and shortness of breath.

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What happens during a risk assessment?

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A landlord legionella risk assessment will review a number of conditions at your property, including the type of system you use, the temperature of your cold and hot water after a set period of time, the condition of your cold water tank (if applicable) and seeing how many 'dead legs' there are in the pipe work (lengths of pipe closed off through which water cannot flow). 

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The risk assessment will review the overall risk of legionella bacteria being present in the water system. 

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It is important to stress a risk assessment does not test the water itself for legionella bacteria as this must be done in a UKAS accredited testing lab. If a risk is found, it is the landlord's responsibility to get the water tested. Valerien Property Services also offers a Legionella Water Sampling service and can arrange for samples to be collected from your property and analysed by a UKAS accredited laboratory, with full results and certification provided. 

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Although there are no specific laws which detail how often a legionella risk assessment should be carried out, it is recommended to hold one at least every two years or when there is a change in the property such as before a new tenancy begins. It is also recommended one is carried out if the property has remained empty for some time, for example if redecoration work has taken place.