CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskWhat L8 requires, who can carry out the assessment, and what must be in it.
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, COSHH Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 collectively require employers to assess and control the risk from Legionella. The HSE's Approved Code of Practice L8 (Legionnaires' Disease) provides the specific guidance for water systems.
Elderly residents with compromised immune systems are at significantly elevated risk from Legionella pneumophila. The bacterium causes Legionnaires' disease -- a severe pneumonia with a fatality rate of around 10% in the general population and higher in older or immunocompromised individuals. Care homes must take a precautionary approach.
A compliant Legionella risk assessment must include: a description of the water system (cold and hot water services, any cooling towers, spa pools or decorative fountains), identification of risk conditions (water temperature, stagnation, scale, biofilm, nutrients), identification of at-risk individuals, a schematic drawing of the system, and a prioritised action plan. The assessment should be carried out by a competent person -- typically a Legionella risk assessor with relevant training (BOHS P901 or equivalent).
Review at least every two years, or more frequently following any significant change to the water system, building fabric, occupancy or following a Legionella detection. A detection of Legionella in a water sample is a serious event requiring immediate action and a full system review.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.