Legionella Risk Assessment for Reading properties
A legionella risk assessment is the starting point of every compliant water management programme. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and COSHH, anyone in control of premises must identify and assess the risk from legionella bacteria and put controls in place. Our assessors survey your hot and cold water systems, record what they find and give you a prioritised action plan you can actually work through.
Buildings in Reading range from commuter-belt offices, coastal hotels and holiday lets, care homes, schools and a large private rented sector. A good risk assessment reflects that mix: it looks at how each building is actually used, how long water sits in pipework and how temperatures hold up across the system.
Reading's business parks, data centres, offices and commuter housing include many buildings with large hot water plant and cooling systems.
What is included
- Full survey of hot and cold water services, tanks, calorifiers, water heaters and outlets
- Temperature profiling of sentinel and representative outlets
- Identification of dead legs, little-used outlets and stagnation points
- Up-to-date water system schematic drawing
- Risk rating for each asset with photographs
- Prioritised remedial action plan with clear timescales
- Written scheme of control and monitoring schedule
- Review of existing records, log books and the appointed responsible person
How often
HSE guidance says the assessment should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to think it is no longer valid, such as alterations to the system, a change of use, a change in the people at risk or poor monitoring results. Many duty holders choose a review at least every two years as good practice.
Legislation in England
In England, legionella duties come from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and COSHH 2002, with HSE's ACoP L8 and HSG274 setting the standard. Enforcement is by HSE or the local authority, depending on the premises.
In Reading, legionella law is enforced by Reading Borough Council's environmental health team for offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and leisure premises, and by HSE for factories, warehouses, hospitals, schools and council-run premises. We cover all RG postcodes in and around Reading.
Frequently asked questions
How much does legionella risk assessment cost in Reading?
Prices depend on the size and complexity of the property. A single rented home is a short visit, while a large commercial building may take a day or more. Send us the details and we will give you a fixed price for Reading with no hidden extras.
How quickly can you carry out legionella risk assessment in Reading?
Get in touch with your postcode and preferred dates and we will confirm the earliest available appointment in Reading.
How much does a legionella risk assessment cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the building. Published UK prices range from around £70 for a small flat to several thousand pounds for large sites. See our cost guide or ask us for a fixed quote.
Who is responsible for a legionella risk assessment?
The duty holder: the employer, landlord or person in control of the premises. They can appoint a competent person or contractor to carry it out, but the legal duty stays with them.