Legionella Risk Assessment Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Legionella risk assessment?
A Legionella risk assessment in the United States involves identifying and evaluating the risks of Legionella bacteria in water systems. This assessment examines factors like water temperature, chemical properties of water, flow, plumbing design and areas where water might stagnate, which can encourage waterborne parthenogenic bacterial growth. The primary goal is to detect potential risks and implement control measures to prevent an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.
Do I need a Legionella risk assessment if I already test my water?
Though Legionella testing is an important part of a water management program, testing does not paint a full picture of risks and hazards in your facility. Knowing the fundamentals of your building’s risk factors in different areas is much more valuable than know what has happened in the past with spot testing. Assessments when paired with testing tell you much more about your building than testing along.
Who is responsible for conducting a Legionella risk assessment?
In the U.S., building owners, employers, or property managers are typically responsible for ensuring a Legionella risk assessment is conducted. These individuals must ensure the assessment is carried out by someone with appropriate training and knowledge in Legionella and waterborne pathogen control, often referred to as a “competent person.” Legionella Control Systems has degreed engineers on staff and utilizes the Professional Qualifications Standard for Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel, ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12080. Our staff have attained ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist Certification.
How often should a Legionella risk assessment be conducted?
The assessment should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially after significant changes to the water system, building usage, or if an incident of Legionnaires’ disease occurs. While there is no federal mandate for an annual review, it is considered best practice to conduct an Legionella risk assessment every year from an independent consultant to maintain ongoing safety.
What should be included in a Legionella risk assessment?
The assessment should include a thorough evaluation of the water system’s design, usage patterns, and maintenance history. It should identify areas where Legionella could potentially grow, assess existing control measures, and recommend additional actions if necessary. Proper documentation of findings and a detailed action plan are crucial components of the assessment.
Is Legionella testing necessary during the assessment?
Although not legally required in all cases, Legionella testing is often recommended, particularly in high-risk environments like healthcare facilities or large commercial buildings. The decision on whether, where, and how to conduct testing during a risk assessment should be considered on a case by case basis, and depends on the current status of the existing water management program.
Can I conduct the Legionella risk assessment myself?
If you have sufficient knowledge and experience in managing Legionella risks, you can theoretically conduct the assessment yourself. However, for reasons of risk, accuracy, and liability, it is advisable to hire a qualified Legionella control professional, particularly for complex water systems or high-risk environments, to ensure all potential risks are thoroughly identified and managed.
What are the legal requirements regarding Legionella risk assessments?
In the United States, guidelines from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) emphasize the importance of managing Legionella risks, especially in environments such as hospitals and healthcare facilities. Although there is no federal law that mandates Legionella risk assessments for all buildings, failing to manage Legionella risks can result in violations of OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which requires employers to provide a safe work environment. Moreover, there are requirements for healthcare facilities from CMS among other organizations – see the Legionella-related requirements for healthcare facilities.
How do we get started on a Legionella risk assessment?
To plan your next steps for Legionella risk assessments, contact the Legionella experts at Legionella Control Systems.
