As with all businesses, care homes and nursing homes have a duty of care with regard to the health and safety of their residents, staff and visitors. Particular attention must be given to residents of care homes and nursing homes, who are more likely to have reduced immune systems, making them far more vulnerable to any infection. So greater care must be taken to protect them from exposure to the legionella bacteria.
In cases where fatalities occur as a result of legionella outbreak, privately run care homes could be fined millions of pounds if they fail to follow risk assessment compliance. Every month there are reports in the press about the consequences of legionella outbreaks in care homes in terms of both client health and business health.
Risk assessments
Risk assessments need to be undertaken regularly or as soon as any changes have been made to the water system. Evidence must be made available for inspections by the Care Quality Commission, the HSE or the local authority, so records must be kept of all activities.
Our DBS-checked assessors will carry out the risk assessment which will involve a survey of the premises. We will check the conditions of your hot and cold water systems, ensure your fittings are WRAS approved, etc., before producing a comprehensive report outlining the risk factors in your water system. This will include any actions you will need to take in order to minimise risks and meet the HSE’s HSG 274 guidelines.
There are no rules about how often you need a risk assessment, but legionella is something that needs to be managed on an ongoing basis. We, therefore, recommend that care homes always play it safe and undertake a legionella risk assessment annually, or any time there is a concern.
Water testing
It is not a legal requirement to conduct water testing, but it is certainly advisable, especially in premises housing vulnerable people. Samples should be taken in aid of your risk assessment to better understand the water quality and control and management measures in place.
We are qualified to help with all aspects of your legionella management to ensure the safety of your residents, staff and visitors, including remedial work, water tank cleaning and disinfection, monitoring, and awareness training for you and your staff.
What is included in your Legionella Risk Assessment?
You will receive a fully comprehensive Legionella Risk Assessment helping you meet compliance.
Executive Summary
Summary of legionella risk.
Asset List
A list of associated assets.
Management Review
Review of management & control.
Action Plan
Remedial actions & risk photos.
Temperature Readings
Full system temperature record.
Site Specific Guidance
Identified duties and frequencies.
Water System Schematic
Diagram of water system.
Survey of Water System
Key survey findings.
Legionella Introduction
Legionella background.
Legionella Risk Assessment FAQ’s
If any of your legionella risk assessment questions are left unanswered. Then head to our Legionella FAQs page or contact our friendly team today.
How long will the risk assessment take?
What happens after the risk assessment?
Why do you need a legionella risk assessment?
They also need to either understand, or appoint somebody competent who knows how to identify and assess sources of risk, manage those risks, prevent or control any risks, keep records and carry out any other legal duties they may have.
How much does a legionella risk assessment cost?
Are uRisk qualified?
What is the booking & payment process?
Once we have confirmed our quotation, and you wish to proceed. Our operations manager will be in contact with you to organise a date & time that suits you.
All payments are due prior to booking completion unless agreed in writing for 30 days from date of invoice.
We will hold your booking time for 24 hours whilst we wait for payment, should you fail to make your payment within 24 hours your booking time will no longer be held.
We accept payment by BACs or online on our Make Payment page.
Do uRisk provide a nationwide service?
Do you provide water testing/sampling?
When will I receive the risk assessment?
When and how often do you need one?
- A change to the water system;
- A change to the use of the building where the system is installed;
- New information available about risks or control measures;
- The results of checks indicating that control measures are no longer effective;
- Changes to key personnel;
- A case of legionnaires disease.”
The common standard is annually for health care premises and biannually for all other premises. However, here at uRisk we recommend annual reviews to ensure correct implementation is being carried out.
Why choose uRisk for your Legionella Compliance?
25 Years Experience
Over 25 years of water hygiene and legionella control experience.
Customer Service Excellence
Friendly and simple advice by phone, email & online at your convenience.
City & Guilds Qualified
All staff are trained water hygiene consultants and engineers.
Nationwide Coverage
With engineers located all across the UK, we’re never too far away.
UKAS Accredited Testing
Our labs are UKAS approved providing you with quality assurance.
Full Compliance Services
Your one stop shop for legionella control, no need to go elsewhere.
Contact Us
01462 419444
Head Office:
Baldock Herts SG7 6NG
Monday to Friday:
0900 - 1700
Offices Closed for Lunch:
1300 - 1400
Water Hygiene Services
Risk Assessments
All water systems require an risk assessment.
Remedial Works
Reduce your legionella risks all in one place.
Legionella Testing
Legionella and water quality testing.
Chlorinations
Mains, full system or disinfection chlorination.
Legionella Training
Flexible E-learning courses, duration 2-3hrs.
Consultancy
Specialist, professional, experienced advice.
Management
Let the specialists control & management your risk.
Contact Us
Contact us today for free friendly advice.