Written Scheme of Control for Legionella

A written scheme of control for the control of legionella is a comprehensive risk management document that clearly identifies those measures required to control the risks from exposure to Legionella bacteria, and how those measures are implemented and managed so that control over water systems is achieved and remains effective.

The written scheme of control forms an essential risk management document that should be developed as a practical tool to be used by all stakeholders involved in the legionella control process.

The written scheme is separate to the legionella risk assessment and is a legal requirement identified by the Health & Safety Executive in their Approved Code of Practice and guidance ACOP L8 “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”.

Preventing or controlling the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria

“Where the [risk] assessment shows that there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to legionella bacteria, the use of water systems, parts of water systems or systems of work that lead to exposure must be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable. Where this is not reasonably practicable, there should be a written scheme for controlling the risk from exposure that should be properly implemented and managed. The written scheme should specify measures to take to ensure that it remains effective.”

Paragraph 58. Health & Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice and guidance L8 “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”.

Without an effective written scheme of control no water system can be claimed to be under effective control.

Expert & Impartial Advice

Legionella Control Internationals teams of experienced legionella risk management specialists offer expert and impartial advice on the prevention and control of exposure to legionella bacteria in all engineered water systems including hot and cold water systems, cooling systems, cooling towers, and complex and novel water systems.

In the United Kingdom we are members of the Legionella Control Association (LCA) and are accredited by them to perform independent legionella related consultancy services including the development and implementation of written schemes for the control of legionella bacteria in water systems… LCA registration certificate

Relevant Legislation, Codes of Practice & Guidance

Our written schemes of control are developed and implemented taking account of the following legislation, codes of practice and guidance (where applicable):

• Health & Safety Executive: Approved Code of Practice and guidance (ACOP) L8 “Legionnaires’ disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems”
• Health & Safety Executive: HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease: Technical guidance Part 1: The control of legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems
• Health & Safety Executive: HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease: Technical guidance Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems
• Health & Safety Executive: HSG274 Legionnaires’ disease: Technical guidance Part 3: The control of legionella bacteria in other risk systems
• Department of Health: Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 04-01: Safe water in healthcare premises
• Department of Health: Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 01-05: Decontamination in primary care dental practices
• BS 7592:2008 “Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems. Code of practice”
• BS 8580:2010 “Water quality – Guide to risk assessments for Legionella control”
• Legionella Control Association: Service Standards (Various)
• Legionella Control Association: Recommended Code of Conduct for Service Providers

Expert Legionella Risk Management

Our teams of water safety specialists support those responsible for the control of waterborne pathogens including Legionella bacteria in the workplace, helping them to protect their people and meet their health and safety obligations in this specialist area. We deliver professional water safety legionella risk assessments, water testing, independent compliance auditing, City & Guilds training and other environmental risk management services that help keep staff and others safe.

If you have questions about any of the issues raised above or you would like to speak with one of our legionella specialists about the development of written schemes of control please call us today on 0330 223 36 87 or contact us here.