Water Hygiene

Water hygiene is required to prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. Every year in the UK there are between 200 and 250 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease.  It is spread by the inhalation of the Legionella bacteria, typically by breathing in mist that contains the bacteria.

Your legal responsibilities

The legal responsibilities of employers, landlords and anyone with responsibility for managing premises that have hot/cold water services and/or wet cooling systems are defined by the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999.  They are required to take steps to assess and manage the risk of legionella. To ensure compliance, the following steps should be taken:

  • Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential legionella risks within your water systems.
  • Risk Management Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan to effectively manage and mitigate the identified risks.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Continuously monitor the water systems to ensure that legionella risk is adequately managed.
  • Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of risk assessments, management plans, and monitoring activities.

Your water hygiene management plan

Global Environmental prepare, manage and maintain your water hygiene management plan for you. Our qualified and experienced water hygiene assessors survey your premises to assess the risk and prepare a report which includes a full photographic and schematic asset register.  It also outlines the current condition of your water systems and details any recommended remedial actions required to meet current standards and legal requirements.

We facilitate the implementation of this action plan including:

  • implementing any cleaning or disinfection required
  • on-site training
  • a schedule for on-going water sampling and monitoring
  • arrange laboratory testing undertaken by UKAS-accredited laboratories.

We can provide risk assessments for:

  • Hot and cold water systems
  • Plant and associated pipe work
  • Air conditioning and cooling systems
  • Swimming pools
  • Showers and baths
  • Spa pools and hot tubs