Case Study: Legionella Risk Assessment – Retail Premises in Bedfordshire

​

Client Background - A national retail chain operating multiple stores across the UK engaged [Your Company Name] to carry out a Legionella Risk Assessment at one of their flagship Bedfordshire sites. The premises included customer areas, staff facilities, storage zones, and mechanical plant rooms – all with hot and cold water systems requiring compliance with HSE ACOP L8 and HSG274 guidance.

​

The Challenge - The client required assurance that their water systems were fully compliant and that risks of Legionella bacteria growth were being effectively controlled. Specific challenges included:

• Multiple water outlets across the site, including seldom-used taps.

• Hot water systems with variable temperatures.

• The need for up-to-date compliance records to present during audits.

• Ensuring minimal disruption to daily retail operations during assessment.

 

Our Approach​ - Bespoke Compliance Solutions deployed a qualified Legionella risk assessor to conduct a full site survey in line with ACOP L8 guidance. The assessment involved:

• System mapping of all hot and cold water services.

• Temperature monitoring at sentinel outlets, tanks, and calorifiers.

• Inspection of storage tanks and pipework for stagnation, corrosion, or dead legs.

• Review of existing records and procedures to assess compliance gaps.

• Risk evaluation to identify areas requiring corrective action.

​

Findings - The assessment identified several key issues:

• Hot water temperatures at certain outlets were below compliance thresholds.

• A redundant pipe run presented a potential stagnation risk.

• Record-keeping was paper-based and inconsistent, leaving audit vulnerabilities.

​

The Solution - Following the assessment, [Your Company Name] provided the client with a detailed written report and practical recommendations, including:

​

• Immediate corrective action to adjust hot water distribution temperatures.

• Removal of redundant pipework to eliminate stagnation risks.

• Implementation of an automated temperature monitoring system for continuous compliance.

• Digital logbook setup for streamlined record-keeping and audit readiness.

​

Results & Benefits

​

• The client achieved full compliance with ACOP L8.

• Risks of Legionella growth were significantly reduced.

• Compliance management was streamlined with digital monitoring.

• The Bedfordshire store now serves as a model site for rolling out improved Legionella control measures across the retail chain.

​

Client Feedback - "The assessment was carried out professionally with minimal disruption to our store operations. The recommendations were clear, actionable, and have given us confidence that our water systems are compliant and safe. We are now planning to extend the solution across more sites." – Facilities Manager, Retail Chain