Water Hygiene - Your Questions

• What is L8?
• What is Legionella?
• Where can Legionella be found?
• Who is responsible for its control?
• Who is at risk?
• What are our legal responsibilities?
• Where do I find information from the Health & Safety Executive?

What is L8?

L8 is the document published by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for the control of Legionella which was launched in January 2001.

What is Legionella?

Its full title is Legionella Pneumophila a type of Pneumonia which was first found in the Belle View Hotel in Philadelphia in July 1976. At the time of out break the American Legion Convention was being held in the Hotel, 182 people contracted the disease and 29 of them died.

Where can Legionella be found?

Legionella can be found in most water but only but only becomes a problem when it is multiplying.

A reasonable foreseeable risk of exposure of the bacteria exists in:

• Any hot & cold water systems
• Water systems incorporating a cooling tower
• Water systems incorporating a evaporative condenser
• Spas & Whirlpools
• Humidifiers & Air washers
• Car wash ( Drive through & Lance)
• Hose pipes & sprinklers
• Fire systems & hoses
• Water cooled machinery
• Fountains & water features
• Horticulture misting systems

Who is responsible for its control?

Employers and those with control of any premises must identify, asses and prevent the risks.

Who is at risk?

• Persons cleaning and maintaining the equipment.
• Persons using the equipment.
• Persons working in the vicinity.
• The public who may be affected by emissions.

What are our legal responsibilities?

• Implementing a Legionellosis risk assessment.
• Prepare a written scheme to control or prevent the risks.
• Keep records of the risks.
• Manage & Monitor the risks.
• Appoint a person to be managerially responsible.

Where do I find information from the Health & Safety Executive?

• Legionnaire's disease - Essential information for providers of residential accommodation CLICK HERE
• Legionnaires Disease - A guide for Employers CLICK HERE
• Legionnaires Disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. Approved code of practice and guidance. L8, Health and Safety Executive, 2000. ISBN 0717617726. Available from HSE Books CLICK HERE
• Legionnaires' Disease: Controlling the risks associated with using spa baths CLICK HERE
• HSE Research Report RR140 Evaluation of HSC's ACOP and guidance "Legionnaires disease: control of legionella bacteria in water systems (L8) CLICK HERE

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