Care Homes and Legionella

Meet CQC & HSE Compliance | HSG 274/ ACOP L8 Compliance | Healthcare

Care home residents often have lowered immune systems which means they are more vulnerable to bacteria’s such as legionella. Therefore, the responsibility for care homes to implement control measures and regular testing is crucial. In recent cases where fatalities have occurred as a result of legionella outbreak, privately-run care homes have been fined millions of pounds for failing to follow risk assessment compliance.

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.

We are experienced in risk assessments and routine maintenance in care homes around the country to help them meet Care Quality Commission requirements.

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?

Legionella Risk Assessments can take anywhere between 1-6 hours depending on your water system. However, small systems with less than 20 sinks/showers/baths often take between 1-2 hours on site. Our engineers will work closely with you to ensure minimal disruption to your business is caused.

What happens after the risk assessment?

After you have received your legionella risk assessment, you must ensure all remedial works are completed as part of your action plan. And implement a logbook for recording all legal duties and monitoring requirements.

Why do you need a legionella risk assessment?

Under general health and safety law, duty holders including employers and those in control of premises, must ensure the health and safety of their employees or others who may be affected by their undertaking. They must take suitable precautions to prevent or control the risk of exposure to legionella.

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?

Legionella Risk Assessments vary in prices depending on the size of your building and often the number of water outlets included on your site. At uRisk our assessments start from £99 for smaller buildings such as small dental practices. Larger buildings require a more detailed risk assessment often with large plants and water outlets taking prices from £99 to in excess of £500.

Are uRisk qualified?

Yes, all of our Legionella Risk Assessors at uRisk are Legionella Risk Assessment qualified and accredited by City & Guilds and can help assist you in meeting compliance today for HSE (ACoP L8).

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?

Yes, whether you have one or multiple water systems and one or multiple sites, uRisk provide a nationwide service.

Do you provide water testing/sampling?

Yes, in UKAS approved laboratories. However, legionella testing, water testing or sampling is not to be confused with a legionella risk assessment. Testing or sampling whilst not a legal required plays an important role in determining how efficient a water system is managed. Where as the legionella risk assessment will identify risk areas that may encourage proliferation. Water testing services include: legionella, e-coli, total viable count (TVC), Pseudomonas, hard water, chlorine free, pH levels and more. Learn more about legionella testing.

When will I receive the risk assessment?

You will typically receive your legionella risk assessment between 2-10 working days from the date the assessment was carried out. From time to time, not often, our team will need a little more time, so please expect to have your report no later than 30 days. Need your risk assessment sooner? Get your report, guaranteed next day delivery via email for just £50.

When and how often do you need one?

The Approved Code of Practice L8 (HSG 274) in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 states that – “The Duty holder should arrange to review the assessment regularly and specifically when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid. An indication of when to review the assessment and what to consider should be recorded and this may result from:

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?

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25 Years Experience

Over 25 years of water hygiene and legionella control experience.

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Customer Service Excellence

Friendly and simple advice by phone, email & online at your convenience.

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City & Guilds Qualified

All staff are trained water hygiene consultants and engineers.

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Nationwide Coverage

With engineers located all across the UK, we’re never too far away.

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UKAS Accredited Testing

Our labs are UKAS approved providing you with quality assurance.

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Full Compliance Services

Your one stop shop for legionella control, no need to go elsewhere.

Contact Us

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01462 419444

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contact@urisk.co.uk

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Head Office:

Baldock Herts SG7 6NG

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Monday to Friday:

0900 - 1700

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Offices Closed for Lunch:

1300 - 1400

Water Hygiene Services

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