A legionella risk assessment checks whether the water system in your building could let legionella grow, and gives you a written plan to control it. This guide covers who needs one, what it includes, and where to find our detailed guides for Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
Who needs a legionella risk assessment
Employers have a duty to assess and control risks to health under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and legionella is covered by the Biological Agents Regulations 2013. The Health and Safety Authority asks employers to carry out a written legionella risk assessment, record the findings and review it. National guidelines from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre recommend a review at least once a year.
In practice that includes nursing homes, hotels, offices, schools, leisure facilities, food processing sites and managed buildings with shared water systems.
What every assessment covers
- A survey of the hot and cold water system, including tanks, heaters and outlets.
- Temperatures, because legionella grows best between 20°C and 45°C.
- Places where water stands still: little-used outlets, empty rooms and dead legs.
- Anything that creates spray, such as showers, spa pools and cooling towers.
- Who uses the building and how vulnerable they are.
- A written scheme of control with tasks, owners and frequencies.
Dublin
- Legionella sampling and risk assessments in Dublin
- Legionella prevention in Dublin
- Offices and commercial buildings in Dublin
- Apartment blocks and managed buildings
Cork
Limerick
- Legionella risk assessments and sampling in Limerick
- Gyms, leisure centres and sports clubs in Limerick
Galway
Guides that apply everywhere
- Legionella risk assessments for nursing homes
- Sampling vs risk assessment: the difference
- Water temperatures for legionella control
- Six common legionella risks and how to fix them
Common questions
How often should it be reviewed? At least once a year, and sooner if the system or the use of the building changes.
Do I need sampling as well? The risk assessment tells you. Healthcare settings, including nursing homes, should sample at least twice a year.
Can it be done with a fire risk assessment? Yes. See our local guide to fire risk assessments.
Safer Solutions carries out legionella risk assessments across Ireland, with samples analysed by an independent accredited laboratory. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.