An ever-pressing priority for property managers, employers and landlords is to identify, manage and minimise the risks that legionella may present to the property, facility or workplace for which they are responsible. Indeed, legionella risk assessments are legally required for landlords and employers.

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Legionella is a bacteria associated with water systems such as water tanks, pipework, baths and shower-heads, mainly in domestic properties. There is also the potential for legionella bacteria to become airbourne in water droplets, mist or spray and be inhaled, which can potentially cause a range of pneumonia-like illnesses.

As difficult as it might be for some to imagine, there was a time – only a few generations ago – when health and safety law in the UK was much more haphazard and challenging to keep track of, than it is now.

It is crucial for employers and those otherwise in control of premises such as nursing and residential homes to be aware of the risks posed by the growth of legionella bacteria, which is especially likely to occur in man-made water systems. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons – including the age and vulnerability of the residents of care homes – this setting can pose a particular risk to the health of those using such buildings, unless measures are adopted to help control this.

While the lung infection known as Legionnaire’s disease – as can be contracted by breathing in water droplets containing the legionella bacteria – is uncommon, its consequences for sufferers’ health can be extremely serious. This is why it is vital for duty holders – such as employers – to take seriously the legal responsibility they have to help guard against legionella and its risks.

If you are an employer, landlord or another individual in control of a commercial or residential premises, it is your responsibility – as set out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – to adopt measures to reduce the risks of legionella exposure on-site.

For landlords and other building or business owners who are responsible for managing hot and cold water systems in any of a broad range of residential and commercial premises.

Since the identification in the late 1970s of the lung infection that came to be known as Legionnaires’ disease – the name owing to the fact that this arose from a large pneumonia outbreak among attendees of an American legion convention – it has been crucial for those responsible for a broad range of premises to be alert to the risks presented by legionella bacteria.