LEGIONELLA, DUTY OF CARE & THE HSE

WHAT IS LEGIONELLA?

In its simplest form, Legionella pneumophila is a type of pathogenic bacteria that thrives in unmaintained water systems, feeding off the biofilm and sediment present unless treated accordingly. When airborne, (via water vapour) It can be inhaled with the results ranging from mild pneumonia to fatality. It was first encountered in 1976 after an outbreak at the convention of the American legion, (hence the name) which caused 34 deaths. Grim stuff

WHAT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE SAY

In a nutshell, any form of landlord, any person or establishment that rents out their property under a lease or licence is responsible for the regulation of their water systems, even if you simply rent out a room n your home, the duty of care is yours. The full information can be found under Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and the 

L8 Approved Code of Practice. See what the Health and Safety executive advises here

https://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-landlords-responsibilities.htm