Who Needs a Legionella Risk Assessment in Doncaster?

Legionella risk assessments are essential for ensuring the safety of water systems in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. In Doncaster, landlords, Legionella Risk Assessment Doncaster owners, and facility managers have a legal duty to assess and manage the risks associated with Legionella bacteria. But who exactly needs a Legionella risk assessment? This article outlines the key duty holders and their responsibilities.

1. Landlords of Residential Properties

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must provide tenants with a safe water supply. Any property that has a water storage system, a combination boiler, or communal water facilities must undergo a Legionella risk assessment.

Landlords who need a risk assessment include:

 Private landlords renting out homes or apartments

 Housing associations and social housing providers

 Property management companies overseeing rental units

 Student accommodation providers

Why?

Tenants could be at risk of Legionnaires’ disease if water systems are not properly maintained. Landlords must ensure hot and cold water systems are safe and free from Legionella contamination.

2. Business Owners and Employers

Under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, businesses must manage health risks, including Legionella exposure, for employees and visitors.

Businesses that require a risk assessment include:

 Office buildings with water storage tanks or large plumbing systems

 Hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs with multiple bathrooms and showers

 Gyms and leisure centres with showers, hot tubs, or swimming pools

 Restaurants, cafes, and pubs with extensive kitchen and bathroom facilities

Why?

Workplaces and public spaces with water storage and distribution systems can create ideal conditions for Legionella growth if not properly maintained.

3. Healthcare and Care Facilities

Hospitals, nursing homes, and care homes are high-risk environments for Legionella exposure due to the presence of vulnerable individuals (elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and individuals with respiratory conditions).

Healthcare facilities requiring a risk assessment include:

 Hospitals and clinics with complex water systems

 Care homes and assisted living facilities

 Dental surgeries and GP practices with dental water lines

Why?

Patients and residents in these settings face a higher risk of severe illness from Legionnaires' disease, making water safety a top priority.

4. Industrial and Manufacturing Sites

Factories, power plants, and industrial sites often have large water systems, including cooling towers and process water systems, which are prone to Legionella growth.

Industries requiring a risk assessment include:

 Factories using water-cooled machinery

 Power plants with cooling towers

Chemical plants with water treatment facilities

Why?

Legionella bacteria can spread through aerosolized water droplets from industrial water systems, posing a risk to workers and nearby communities.

5. Schools, Colleges, and Public Buildings

Educational institutions and public buildings in Doncaster must also conduct regular Legionella risk assessments to protect sudents, staff, and visitors.

Buildings requiring a risk assessment include:

 Schools and universities with dormitories, showers, and canteens

 Public libraries, museums, and council buildings

Sports centres and community halls

Why?

Many public buildings have large plumbing networks with areas of low water usage, increasing the risk of Legionella contamination.

Conclusion

Anyone responsible for a property with a water system must conduct a Legionella risk assessment to comply with UK health and safety regulations. Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or facility manager, ensuring water safety is not just a legal duty but also a crucial step in protecting public health in Doncaster.