Legionella Risk Assessment in Warrington, Widnes
& St. Helens
As a letting agent or landlord, you need to ensure that you are fully aware of the possible causes and symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease so you can identify any problems easily and report any concerns.
As an Elmhurst Energy Approved Legionella Risk Assessor, we provide landlord assessments in Warrington, Widnes, St. Helens and the surrounding areas.
How to prevent Legionnaire’s
Taking the following simple precautions will help keep you safe:
Keep all shower heads clean and free from a build-up of limescale, mould or algae growth. Regular bleaching every 3 months will help sterilise and kill any bacteria.
Keep hot water on your boiler system at a temperature of 60°C or more.
Report any deposits such as rust or any unusual matter running from your water outlets.
Flush through showers and taps for 2-3 minutes following a period of non-use (i.e after you have been on holiday or not used the room in a while)
What is Legionnaire’s disease?
Legionnaire’s disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody. It is caused by the inhalation of small droplets of water from contaminated sources containing legionella bacteria.
Where is it found?
All hot and cold water systems in residential properties are a potential source for legionella bacteria growth.
The main areas of risk are where the bacteria can multiply and increase to dangerous levels and then spread, e.g. in spray from showers and taps, even in dishwasher and washing machine pipes.
Conditions ripe for colonisation are where water of between 20°C and 45°C stagnates and where there is sludge, rust and scale present for bacteria to feed upon and multiply.
Who is at risk?
Legionnaire’s disease most commonly affects the elderly or people with chest or lung problems. Not everyone exposed to legionella bacteria becomes ill. The disease is not contagious and you cannot get it from drinking water.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease are similar to those of flu;
High temperature
Fever or chills
headache
Tiredness
Muscle pain
Dry cough
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the questions our customers ask us most about legionella assessments.
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Legionella is a potentially deadly bacteria commonly found in man-made hot and cold water systems. This has made it a requirement by some Local Authorities for landlords to carry out a Legionella Risk Inspection before they can rent out their properties.
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Those in control of premises, such as landlords and property agents, are required by government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure the health and safety of their tenants, which would include identifying and controlling the risks associated with legionella. Please note this does not mean that landlords must complete a written legionella assessment, but some may choose to do so.
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A typical inspection involves identifying potential hazards, the level of risk exposed for Legionella and who is at risk. This includes the testing of hot and cold water throughout the building, flow and stagnation tests, water tank surveys and the inspection for aerosol formation hazards.
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The assessment usually takes around 1 hour to complete.
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Legionella risk assessments cost £100.
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We operate in Warrington, Widnes, St. Helens, Runcorn and the surrounding areas.
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