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Legionella Compliance in Offices and Commercial Properties
Protecting Your Workplace, Staff, and Reputation - Legionella compliance in offices and commercial properties is a critical part of workplace health and safety. Any building with a water system – from office blocks and retail units to warehouses and business parks – must take steps to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
Failure to comply not only puts employees and visitors at risk but can also result in serious legal and financial consequences.
At Bespoke Compliance Solutions, we help businesses stay compliant with HSE guidance (ACoP L8) and HSG274 Part 2, ensuring your water systems remain safe, efficient, and legally compliant all year round.
What Is Legionella and Why Is It a Risk in Offices?
Legionella bacteria are naturally occurring microorganisms found in water. In building systems, they can multiply if conditions allow – particularly in stagnant water, lukewarm temperatures (20–45°C), or where scale, rust, or biofilm are present.
When contaminated water droplets become airborne (for example, from taps, showers, or cooling systems), they can be inhaled, leading to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Even in office environments – which might seem low-risk – Legionella can grow in:
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Hot and cold water systems
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Showers and washrooms
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Drinking water outlets and kitchen taps
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Air conditioning or cooling towers
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Unoccupied or underused areas
Many office buildings experience intermittent water use, vacant spaces, or hot water systems serving multiple floors, all of which can create ideal conditions for bacterial growth if not managed correctly.
Legal Requirements for Legionella Compliance
In the UK, employers, landlords, and those in control of premises have a legal duty to control the risk of Legionella under:
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Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
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HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8)
These regulations require duty holders to:
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Identify and assess Legionella risks
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Implement a written scheme of control
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Maintain and monitor the system regularly
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Keep records of all actions and results
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Appoint a competent “Responsible Person”
Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, substantial fines, and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
Steps to Achieve Legionella Compliance in Commercial Buildings
To achieve and maintain Legionella compliance in offices and commercial premises, your organisation should implement a structured water hygiene management plan:
1. Legionella Risk Assessment
A professional Legionella risk assessment is the foundation of compliance. It identifies areas of potential risk in your building’s water systems and recommends control measures to minimise them.
2. Temperature Control
Ensure cold water stays below 20°C and hot water is stored at 60°C or higher. Regular temperature checks should be carried out and recorded.
3. Regular Flushing
Flush rarely used outlets – such as those in meeting rooms, unused offices, or remote washrooms – at least weekly to prevent stagnation.
4. Cleaning and Descaling
Clean and descale shower heads, taps, and hoses quarterly to prevent biofilm and scale buildup.
5. Record Keeping
Maintain a logbook or digital record of all inspections, temperature checks, and maintenance work. This is essential evidence for compliance during audits.
6. Staff Training
Duty holders and maintenance teams must receive Legionella awareness training to understand their responsibilities and respond appropriately to risks.
Benefits of Legionella Compliance in Office Buildings
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✅ Legal protection – Meet your obligations under HSE and COSHH regulations.
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✅ Health and safety assurance – Safeguard employees, contractors, and visitors.
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✅ Operational reliability – Prevent costly downtime caused by system contamination.
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✅ Reputation management – Demonstrate corporate responsibility and compliance.
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✅ Peace of mind – Confidence that your systems are safe, monitored, and documented.
How Bespoke Compliance Solutions specialises in Legionella compliance for offices and commercial properties, offering:
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Comprehensive Legionella risk assessments
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Development of written control schemes
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Temperature monitoring and water sampling
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System cleaning, disinfection, and ongoing maintenance
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Legionella awareness training for staff and facilities teams
Our team of certified Legionella control professionals ensures your property remains fully compliant, cost-effective, and safe for everyone.
Get Expert Help with Legionella Compliance | Don’t leave compliance to chance.
Contact Bespoke Compliance Solutions today to schedule a Legionella risk assessment or to discuss your ongoing water hygiene management needs.
📞 Call us: 01296 914916
📧 Email: info@bc-solutions.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.bespokecompliancesolutions.co.uk