Risk Assessment & Testing - Specific Guidance for Landlords or Property Management Companies
Legionella tests for landlords forms a key part of the legal duty that property managers have to their tenants. Regardless of whether you are renting out a single room or leasing a large commercial property, regular water testing for Legionnaire's disease / Legionella is vital. Failing to carry out risk assessments and monitoring may result in fines and prosecution under healthy and safety law.
Assessing any water outlet that produces aerosols is a key part of Legionnaires disease testing for landlords. Shower heads are a particularly well-recognised source of Legionella infection. Water storage tanks and combi boilers must also be checked. If a premise has been vacant for some time, it is also important that it is flushed through and tested on a regular basis.
Inspectors are aware of the threat posed by Legionella bacteria and are now actively looking for evidence of regular landlord Legionella testing.
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
Legionella tests for landlords can be ordered today by clicking below or for more information about landlord legionella testing, contact us.