Approved Code of Practice L8 – The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems

The guidelines concerning legionella control are included in the Approved Code of Practice L8 2-13- The Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems (ACOP L8). Failure to comply with these guidelines could pose a risk to people’s health; should this occur a lack of compliance will be used as evidence of negligence.

Guardian Water Treatment can help keep buildings and their water systems compliant with ACoP L8 by carrying out the necessary risk assessments and any subsequent legionella treatment.

ACoP L8 guidelines stipulate the following:

  • A thorough identification and assessment of all potential sources of Legionella risk, carried out in accordance with BS 8580:2010 – Water-quality Risk Assessment for Legionella control.
  • A prepared copy of a Legionella prevention and treatment scheme, in writing.
  • The appointment of a staff member who is responsible for implementing and managing said scheme.
  • Clear and comprehensive keeping of all relevant records.

All of Guardian’s Legionella Risk Assessors are qualified City and Guild’s engineers who have a comprehensive knowledge of domestic water systems.

What does a legionella risk assessment cover?

  • Physical aspects of a system that may require remedial action
  • The effectiveness of any legionella precautions currently being applied
  • Advice on pre-treatment equipment and any dosing equipment already used
  • Independent assessment of the chemical regime in place
  • Thorough evaluation of records and analysis
  • Overview of the composition of water in the system

By analysing this information, Guardian Water Treatment can help employers, landlords and others who are held responsible for a building, be fully informed of the duties they need to carry out in order to comply with health and safety law. This applies to all premises which are connected to any business, trade or any building where stored water could pose any potential risk of exposing Legionella to the public.

Information from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlining the guidance on ACOP L8 can be downloaded from here.