Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
NORTH SCARLE PARISH COUNCIL
Policy for the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems
Statement of Policy
The policy of North Scarle Parish Council is to control, prevent and minimise the risk from legionella; to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions and premises for all staff, contractors and members of the public; and to provide such resources, information, training and supervision as needed for this purpose.
North Scarle Parish Council will do all that is reasonably practicable to manage the risk of legionellosis and will follow the steps laid out in the procedures and written control schemes.
- Introduction
This document sets out the policy of North Scarle Parish Council, lists its objectives and the procedures and processes it has in place to meet statutory requirements.
- The Policy
- Clearly defines roles, responsibilities and statutory requirements.
- Requires North Scarle Parish Council to have in place control measures that adhere to the risk assessment and comply with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and Guidance L8.
- Requires North Scarle Parish Council to maintain adequate records and review the policy on a regular basis.
NOTE: The policy on legionella is to be supported by the written report from the appointed contractor which details measures required to minimise the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria throughout Council-owned properties.
- Statutory Requirements
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out the broad legal requirements for health, safety and welfare of employees and others (including visitors, contractors and the general public). The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Document L8 – (ACOP) “Legionnaires’ disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems” (ACOP) L8, is taken as the main source of guidance on matters relating to legionella risk management. North Scarle Parish Council’s policy is to resolve to meet the requirements of the relevant ACOP L8 guidance, and to comply with these procedures so far as is reasonably practicable.
- Implementation
This policy defines the main objectives, procedures and processes that North Scarle Parish Council will put in place. This policy defines the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the management and maintenance of the water services. The policy confirms North Scarle Parish Council’s efforts towards preventing and minimising the risk from legionella bacteria and the commitment to conducting risk assessments and risk assessment reviews. It defines the control measures that North Scarle Parish Council will put in place to demonstrate compliance to the ACOP L8 documentation as far as reasonably practicable. The management of the risk from legionella bacteria will be a continual commitment involving regular review and routine maintenance tasks.
- Responsibility
The Duty Holder position sits with North Scarle Parish Council. The Responsible Person is the Clerk to North Scarle Parish Council and in their absence the Chairman or a delegated Parish Councillor of North Scarle Parish Council. The day-to-day management of legionella is delegated to the sub-tenant at the property. The Responsible Person may make spot checks to ensure the control scheme is being implemented. In addition, appropriate persons will be suitably trained (by the Parish Council) to give them a basic understanding of the bacteria and approved methods of control appropriate for the building for which they are responsible or manage.
- Objectives
North Scarle Parish Council commit to appoint a contractor to conduct or review legionella risk assessments for relevant properties every two years or as deemed necessary by the appointed contractor.
- Record-keeping
North Scarle Parish Council will maintain adequate records to ensure that the Control Scheme is being implemented and that statutory requirements are being met.
Adopted by the Parish Council
At a meeting on
16 May 2024