It’s easy to forget how far the UK has come in shaping health and safety regulation. A few generations ago, the system was patchy and inconsistent. While some protections existed as early as the 1800s, there was no clear national framework guiding workplace safety, and that lack of clarity often put workers and the public at risk.
That began to change in 1970 when the government formed a committee led by Lord Robens. Their goal was to figure out a simpler, more unified approach. The result was the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the formation of the Health and Safety Executive. Both continue to guide how we assess and manage workplace risks, including the specific risks that healthcare environments pose.
Why This Matters in the Context of Legionella
The Health and Safety at Work Act put a clear responsibility on employers to understand and control risks. Sections 2 and 3 require workplaces to assess anything that could endanger the health or safety of employees and anyone else who might be affected. That naturally includes risks from legionella bacteria, especially in healthcare settings, where patients are more vulnerable and infection can spread quickly if water systems aren’t managed properly.
Other Laws and Legislation That Reinforce This Duty
Beyond the 1974 Act, several other regulations underline the need to take legionella seriously. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) is a key one. It covers a wide range of harmful agents, including bacteria like legionella, and sets out steps employers must follow to control exposure.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 also come into play. Regulation 12 focuses on safe care and treatment, while Regulation 15 relates to the premises and equipment used. Both have clear implications: a proper legionella risk assessment must be in place to meet these requirements.
What Steps Need to Be Taken to Improve Legionella Assessments?
Legionella risk assessments aren’t just a formality in healthcare. They’re a core part of keeping patients, staff, and visitors safe. But not all assessments are equal. If the process is rushed or handled by someone without the right background, serious risks can be missed or misunderstood. Here’s how to make sure your assessments are thorough, useful, and hold up under scrutiny.
Start with the Right Person
One of the biggest issues with poor assessments is a lack of competence. That doesn’t mean the assessor is inexperienced in general, but they might not be the right fit for your site. Healthcare buildings often have older infrastructure and complex plumbing. The person carrying out the assessment should understand both the technical aspects of water systems and the specific requirements that apply in healthcare.
If you’re working with a contractor or an internal team, ask about their experience with similar buildings. They should be familiar with guidance like BS 8580-1 and ACOP L8, and able to explain how they apply it to your environment.
Take Record-Keeping Seriously
Doing the assessment is one thing. Being able to show how and when it was done is just as important. If something goes wrong, your records are often the first thing a regulator or inspector will ask for.
Keep documentation that clearly shows who carried out the assessment, what was checked, what was found, and what actions were recommended. If follow-up work is needed, that should also be tracked. If you’re using digital tools, make sure they’re being used consistently and that the data is reviewed regularly.
Temperature Checks Matter
Water temperature is one of the most basic indicators of legionella risk. If any part of your system holds water between 20 and 50 degrees Celsius, and there’s a chance that water could turn into a fine spray, then you’re dealing with a potential hazard.
All outlets, tanks, and heaters need to be tested. This isn’t just about spot-checking a few taps. You need a full picture of how the system is performing, where water is flowing, and where it might be sitting still for too long.
Write Reports People Can Use
Once the assessment is complete, the findings should be reported in plain, clear language. That doesn’t mean oversimplifying the risks. It means removing jargon, explaining any technical terms, and making the information easy to act on.
If something couldn’t be accessed or tested, say so. If there’s a suspected issue that couldn’t be confirmed, note it clearly. A clear report supports better decision-making and helps avoid confusion later on.
Use Templates That Keep Up With Current Standards
Templates and tools should reflect current best practices. If you’re still using formats that haven’t been updated in years, there’s a good chance they’re missing important details.
Platforms like Vision Pro can help standardise your reports and keep everything organised. But even the best software can’t replace regular review. Make sure templates are up to date and adapted to any changes in your systems or buildings.
Make It Part of Your Routine
A single assessment doesn’t make you safe. Conditions change over time. Buildings evolve. Equipment gets replaced. What was safe last year might not be safe now.
Set a regular schedule for reassessments. Follow up on all actions. Treat legionella control as part of your ongoing safety routine, not a once-a-year task.
Where to Go from Here
Legionella control in healthcare isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a matter of patient safety. If you’re responsible for a healthcare facility, this should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. Getting assessments right means fewer risks, fewer failures, and ultimately a safer environment for everyone involved.
If you need help tightening up your approach or want to learn more contact the Assets & Compliance Managed Services team today.