Risk Assessment & Testing - Specific Guidance for Doctors Surgeries
The responsibility for the health and safety of all staff, patients and anyone else who enters the doctors surgery falls upon the employer, meaning regular testing for Legionella bacteria is a must. As a medical facility, you are also likely to have people in high-risk categories entering the surgery, such as those over the age of 45 or with an impaired immune system. Therefore, regular testing for Legionella is even more essential to ensure that the risks posed by the bacteria are mitigated.
Inspectors are now actively looking for evidence of regular testing within doctors’ surgeries, as awareness about the potential dangers of Legionella bacteria has risen. Order your testing kit today.
What are Your Responsibilities?
You have a responsibility to ensure Care Quality Commission (CQC*) compliance (*Care Inspectorate in Scotland, CSSIW in Wales).
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