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Legionella Control Management
Legionella is one of the most tightly regulated risks in building and water system management, and for good reason. Poorly managed water systems can harbour Legionella bacteria, the cause of Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. ISHEM provides fully independent legionella control management services across the UK, giving duty holders the impartial, expert guidance they need to meet their legal obligations and protect the people in their buildings.
What Is Legionella and Why Does It Matter?
Legionella pneumophila is a bacterium that thrives in water systems where conditions allow it to multiply, particularly where water temperatures sit between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius, where there is stagnation or scale, and where susceptible individuals may be exposed to water droplets or aerosols.
Legionnaires' disease is contracted by inhaling contaminated water aerosol. It cannot be passed from person to person, but the consequences of an outbreak in a workplace or public building can be severe, both in terms of human harm and regulatory liability. Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness, is also caused by Legionella exposure.
The risk is not limited to large or complex buildings. Any premises with a hot and cold water system, cooling tower, spa pool, or other water-generating plant has a duty to manage Legionella risk under UK law.
Your Legal Duties Under ACoP L8, HSG274 and HPSC Ireland 2009
The primary legal framework governing Legionella control in the UK is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, supported by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). The Health and Safety Executive's Approved Code of Practice L8, or the Health Protection Surveillance Centre National Guidelines for the Control of Legionellosis in Ireland, 2009 for Ireland and the associated Technical Guidance HSG274 set out in detail what duty holders are required to do.
In summary, the law requires you to:
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Identify and assess sources of risk through a documented Legionella risk assessment
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Implement a written water safety plan or scheme of control
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Appoint a competent responsible person to manage Legionella risks
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Keep accurate records of all monitoring, inspections and remedial actions
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Ensure that anyone carrying out Legionella-related work is suitably trained and competent
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, improvement or prohibition notices, and in cases involving harm, prosecution. Independent consultancy ensures your risk management is documented, defensible and genuinely fit for purpose.
Our Legionella Control Management Services
ISHEM provides a comprehensive range of legionella control management services, delivered by experienced microbiologists, water hygiene specialists and environmental health professionals. Our services include:
Legionella Risk Assessments
A thorough survey of your water systems to identify sources of risk, assess the likelihood and severity of Legionella proliferation, and produce a written report with prioritised corrective actions. Carried out in line with HSG274 Part 2, ACoP L8, HPSC Ireland 2009 or your local legislation.
Water Safety Plans and Schemes of Control
Development and implementation of site-specific water safety plans aligned to your risk profile, building type and operational requirements.
Monitoring and Remedial Works Oversight
Independent monitoring of water temperatures, disinfection regimes and system performance, plus oversight of any remedial or corrective works to ensure they meet the required standard.
Responsible Person Support
Guidance and support for appointed responsible persons, including documentation, record-keeping frameworks and ongoing advisory access.
Legionella Awareness and Management Training
Practical training for facilities managers, estates teams and responsible persons. Delivered in-person or virtually. See our Training page for full course details.
Who We Work With
ISHEM works with duty holders and facilities managers across a wide range of sectors where water system management is a compliance priority:
Healthcare
Hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and clinical facilities where vulnerable occupants are at elevated risk and HTM 04-01 compliance is a requirement alongside L8 and HPSC Ireland 2009.
Education
Schools, colleges and universities where seasonal occupancy patterns and legacy water systems create specific Legionella management challenges.
Commercial Property
Office buildings, retail premises, hotels and mixed-use developments where landlords and managing agents carry legal responsibility for water safety.
Leisure and Hospitality
Spas, gyms, hotels and leisure centres where spa pools, cooling towers and hot water systems require rigorous ongoing management.
Whether you are a facilities manager, a building owner, an estates director or a responsible person carrying personal legal liability, ISHEM can provide the level of support your site requires.
Why Choose an Independent Legionella Consultant?
Independence matters in Legionella management. Some providers offer both the risk assessment and the remedial works that follow, which creates a structural conflict of interest. ISHEM has no financial interest in any remediation works. Our assessments are objective, our recommendations are based solely on what your site needs, and our advice is never influenced by the prospect of follow-on contracting revenue.
Our team includes members and registrants of the Legionella Control Association, the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, and the Water Management Society. We operate in accordance with the Legionella Control Association's Code of Conduct for Service Providers, a copy of which is available to download on our About page.
We are Safecontractor approved and hold JOSCAR registration, providing clients in regulated sectors with the procurement assurance they need before engaging us.
For water system compliance that is thorough, impartial and properly documented, ISHEM is the independent choice.