A Legionella risk assessment report can run to many pages, and it is easy to file it away without acting on it. Knowing how to read it helps you turn it into a practical plan.
What a good report usually contains
- A description of the premises and its water systems, such as tanks, hot water plant, pipework and outlets.
- The risks found, with the reasons, for example stagnant water, poor temperatures or dirty tanks.
- A rating or priority for each risk so you know what to do first.
- Recommended control measures and actions.
- Advice on monitoring, record keeping and review.
Start with the priorities
Look first at the highest priority actions. These are usually the things that could let Legionella grow or put people at risk, such as dead legs and little-used outlets, incorrect temperatures or a poorly maintained tank.
Turn actions into a plan
- Give each action an owner and a target date.
- Record what is done and when.
- Tell staff or contractors who need to carry out routine tasks such as flushing or temperature checks.
- Keep everything together in a Legionella logbook.
Review and update
The HPSC National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland (2009) recommend that the risk assessment is reviewed regularly, at least annually, and whenever the water system, building use or occupancy changes significantly.
Your duty
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to identify hazards and manage risks. A report only helps if the actions are followed through.
Questions about your report?
If you have a report you are not sure how to act on, call 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie and we will help you prioritise.