Risk Assessment & Testing - Specific Guidance for Churches/Places of Worship
You have a duty of care and a responsibility for the health and safety of all your attendees. It is likely that some of your attendees will fall into the high risk category and it is vitally important, therefore, that you regularly review your risk assessment and conduct testing for Legionella bacteria.
Inspectors are becoming increasingly aware of the potential dangers of Legionella bacteria and are actively looking for evidence of regular testing within churches and places of worship.
What are Your Responsibilities?
You have a responsibility to ensure all legislation and regulations relating to Legionella bacteria, in particular the Health & Safety at Work Act and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) are adhered to.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance states that if you are an employer or someone in control of premises you must understand the health risks associated with Legionella and control any risks.
You must know how to:
- Identify and audit sources of risk
- Handle any risks
- Prevent or halt any risks
- Maintain appropriate records
- Perform any other duties of care including regular water testing
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