Statutory compliance
Legionella and water hygiene
HSE's Approved Code of Practice L8 and guidance HSG274 require the duty holder to assess and control legionella risk in water systems. That means a written risk assessment reviewed regularly, a control scheme with monthly temperature checks at sentinel outlets, flushing of little-used outlets, and records kept for at least five years.
The law behind it
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- COSHH Regulations 2002
- HSE ACoP L8 and HSG274
What is due and when
| Check | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Legionella risk assessment | Reviewed regularly, and whenever the system or use changes |
| Sentinel outlet temperature checks | Monthly |
| Flushing of little-used outlets | Weekly |
| Calorifier and cold water tank inspection | Per the written scheme, typically annually |
Monitoring records must be kept for at least five years.
Official source: HSE — Legionnaires' disease (L8). This page summarises the guidance; it is not legal advice.
Have it handled
We schedule, carry out and record these checks as part of building systems maintenance, with every certificate held in one compliance record.
Other statutory obligations
Pearl Lemon Facilities Management