Revised legionella ACoP to provide ‘greater clarity’
Information on managing and controlling legionella bacteria in water systems has been updated and clarified by the HSE.
The ACoP — aimed at dutyholders, including employers, those with health and safety responsibilities and those in control of premises — was one of several identified for consolidation, withdrawal, or review and revision, in line with a recommendation in Professor Löfstedt’s review.
The revised publication was subject to consultation and received HSE board and ministerial approval. It includes information on:
- identifying and assessing sources of risk;
- preparing a scheme to prevent or control risk;
- implementing, managing and monitoring precautions;
- keeping records of precautions; and
- appointing a competent person with sufficient authority and knowledge of an installation to help take measures needed to comply with the law.
The HSE’s legionella policy lead, Lorraine Medcalf, said: “The revised ACoP provides greater clarity for dutyholders on what constitutes legal requirements and what is guidance. Where possible we have simplified terminology.
“The review also enabled us to update technical guidance to incorporate technological advancements and separate it from general guidance on the regulations, making it available on our website.”
The revised ACoP L8 replaces the previous version, which included technical guidance. The
updated guidance (HSG274) has been published separately.
Legal responsibilities to protect workers’ health and safety are not altered by any changes to ACoPs.
To coincide with the update to ACoP (L8), Water Environmental Treatment Ltd (W.E.T) have created an
animated information video intended to educate people about where legionella comes from, how it infects the body and what measures employers, facility managers and health and safety teams can take to prevent future cases of Legionnaires’ disease.
Operations manager at W.E.T, Lisa Parkinson said: “There are many common misconceptions amongst duty holders about how organisations should control the risks associated with legionella. We are determined to be clear about employers’ responsibilities and how to manage their systems efficiently and effectively.”
Revised legionella ACoP to provide ‘greater clarity’
Information on managing and controlling legionella bacteria in water systems has been updated and clarified by the HSE.
Safety & Health Practitioner
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Information on managing and controlling legionella bacteria in water systems has been updated and clarified by the HSE.