Legionella Risk Assessment Training for Social Housing Providers
Man-made hot and cold water systems can create the perfect environment for legionella bacteria to grow. Although the spotlight remains firmly on COVID-19, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has confirmed that if a dwelling has had reduced occupancy during this pandemic than water system stagnation could occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease (a potentially fatal form of pneumonia).
Controlling Legionella in Social Housing
The Health and Safety Executive states that all landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk associated with legionella bacteria in order to ensure the safety of all tenants. This is why effective management of water systems in social housing is vitally important.
If water systems are not properly managed, legionella bacteria may be given the opportunity to spread through them and grow to unsafe levels, posing a threat to the health and safety of tenants, staff, contractors and other property visitors. The consequences could be even greater for social housing providers who manage larger housing blocks and shared accommodation.