6. Reviewing what you do
Checking what you do and reviewing your risk assessment regularly allows you to assess your performance before an accident, incident or case of ill health can happen.
This includes checking that you have been successful with your specific plans and objectives, the operation of your health and safety management system, and compliance with performance standards.
For example, with hot water outlets the water temperature should be at least 50°C (55°C for healthcare premises like hospitals) within 1 minute of running the water. This will help you implement improvements in the future.
You can find further information:
- on managing risk and risk assessment
- in an HSE audit checklist for controlling legionella in water systems
Questions to help you decide if your controls are working
The following general questions will help you to decide whether your approach to controlling legionella is working or whether it needs updating.
- Is there a risk assessment in place for the system?
- Does the risk assessment contain a description of your system, for example an up-to-date schematic diagram, showing the whole system including parts out of use?
- Does the risk assessment conclude that there is no significant risk?
If the risk assessment does identify a significant risk
- Is there a written control scheme in place to address the risks?
- Has a responsible person(s) been identified in writing?
- Are the roles and responsibilities of all staff involved in the control regime clearly defined in writing and have they all received appropriate training?
If external contractors are used
- Are their roles and responsibilities clearly defined, in writing?
- Have you checked on the competence of the contractors/consultants and found it acceptable (for example experience and qualifications, training, membership of professional organisations or recognised trade body)?
Other health and safety issues
- Have you carried out COSHH assessments for handling of water treatment chemicals, working at height, working in confined spaces, electrical safety and ease of access to parts of the system?
Specific systems or services
Depending on your system, there are specific things you will need to monitor.
The frequency of inspection and maintenance will depend on the system and the risks it presents. All the inspections and measurements should be recorded.
Further technical guidance
You can find further information in Legionnaires' disease - Technical guidance. The publication covers the following systems, and it includes summary checklist tables for inspection frequency:
- Part 1: The control of legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems
- Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems
- Part 3: The control of legionella bacteria in other risk systems
There is also specific information and guidance on spa pools.