Legionella: What is ACOP L8?

Legionella is a kind of dangerous bacteria. You can find small traces of it in natural water sources, like lakes and rivers. But if the conditions are right, legionella can thrive in man-made water systems. This can be a threat to people's health.

Legionella Control and Prevention for Duty Holders

Who is a Duty Holder?

A dutyholder is a person or organisation in charge of a property. This individual could be an employer, property owner, landlord, or property manager with safety responsibilities. They need to follow health and safety laws, especially when there is a risk of exposure to legionella.

What Is ACOP L8?

The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8 offers practical advice to help duty holders meet safety legislation requirements if there is a reasonable risk of exposure to Legionella.

The growth of legionella bacteria can be dangerous to health. So, all responsible individuals must work to prevent and manage exposure to it. The ACOP L8 explains health and safety duties as well as legal and regulatory responsibilities regarding the control of legionella bacteria in water systems and how to handle legionella bacteria effectively.

This code also includes other important codes of practice, such as those outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Is ACOP L8 compulsory for duty holders?

ACOP L8 is not a legal requirement. However, it has been approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If you follow its guidelines, you can feel confident that you meet the legal requirements.

Why Is ACOP L8 Important?

Following ACOP L8 is very important. It helps keep people healthy and safe. Since it has a special legal status, following it closely can help to protect you from legal issues, should something go wrong.

If someone accuses you of breaking health and safety laws, it will be helpful to your case to demonstrate that you followed ACOP L8. This is because health and safety inspectors may use ACOP L8 to evaluate your compliance with the law.

What Does the ACOP L8 Cover?

Those in control of premises can use the guidance in ACOP L8 to minimise the risk of legionella bacteria. As a duty holder, you need to find and check sources of risk. You have to make a plan that will stop or manage these risks.

After that, you should put this plan into action, manage it, and monitor the safety measures. Lastly, you must keep a record of these safety precautions.

ACOP L8 covers:

1. Assessing risks to meet legal duties.

2. The role of the appointed competent person.

3. A strategy to manage legionella risks through an effective control scheme.

4. Reviewing control measures.

5. The duties of those involved in the supply of water systems.

The current edition of ACOP L8 does not include technical guidance for evaporative cooling systems, hot and cold water systems, and other risk systems. This information is available in HSG 274. If you need information about spa pools, see HSG 282.

Is an ACOP L8 Legionella Risk Assessment Necessary?

Legionella risk management and a risk assessment are vital for any water system in your workplace. A responsible person should carry out this assessment. It’s best if they have legionella training from a qualified training provider.

A duty holder has the responsibility to appoint someone to the role of the responsible person. It can be you, an employee, a consultancy service, or someone outside your company, as long as they have the right skills and knowledge.

To understand risk assessments better, visit our Online Risk Assessment Training Course.

L8 ACOP Risk Assessment

An ACOP L8 legionella risk assessment looks for potential risks. This helps you figure out if you can stop exposure to legionella. If you cannot avoid it, the assessment will show you ways to reduce that risk.

ACOP Legionella Control Advice

Here are some tips for stopping the growth of legionella.

1. Keep the water temperature between 20°C and 45°C in your water system. If you don’t, legionella can grow.

2. Clean your water systems to prevent biofilm from forming. A biofilm can allow legionella to grow. Avoid stagnant water, so check the flow and aerate if needed. Control water spray and flush outlets regularly. Also, remove any dead ends in the pipes.

3. Use materials in your water system that meet UK legal requirements.

4. Look closely at your water systems. Things like rust, sludge, scale, and organic matter can encourage bacteria growth.

It is not possible to stop the growth of legionella completely. Instead, you need to have safety measures in place to manage the risk. First, you must identify:

1. What type of system do you have?

2. Who is in charge of assessing and managing its use?

3. How should you use your system correctly?

4. What safety steps and control methods will be used?

5. What inspections will be done to ensure risks are managed?

6. How often should these inspections take place?

What is involved in a legionella risk assessment?

All people at risk should understand this risk assessment and the safety steps that come with it. If you have more than five employees, you need to keep a written record of the risk assessment.

1. A plan is written for control and how it is used.

2. The groups that have a higher chance of getting legionella.

3. The person is responsible for the risk assessment and taking action.

4. The results of checks or inspections along with their dates.

5. The key points found in the risk assessment.

You should check the risk assessment regularly. Also, report any changes that happen. These changes can include new workers who need training and updates to the system.

For further information and additional guidance, you may want to complete a Legionella course. Commodious offers an online Legionella Awareness Training Course and Legionella Awareness for Duty Holders Training. You can take these courses remotely and at your own pace.