Legionella Risk Assessments

The assessment should describe the property as it is used now. A report prepared before a refurbishment may omit new outlets or retain equipment that has been removed. Explain those changes rather than relying on a previous address-matched document as proof that the current arrangement has been assessed.

The work can include reviewing earlier information, surveying accessible water services and identifying storage, heaters, outlets and relevant risk factors. It considers existing checks and responsibilities alongside the physical installation, with the exact property and system boundary stated.

The report explains findings and actions in a form the owner can use to commission work. HSE's assessment guidance sets out the system, exposure and control matters to consider. An action should identify the location and problem rather than simply recommend general plumbing improvements.

A legionella risk assessment is not the same as routine sampling. It examines the system and controls; a sample addresses a particular analytical question. HSE does not require blanket routine legionella testing of all domestic hot and cold water systems.

A survey can identify actions involving repairs, use of outlets, missing records or monitoring arrangements. Those actions have different owners and costs. The report should make clear what the occupier needs to do and what requires a plumber or other competent specialist.

Send the address, property use and existing reports or drawings. Explain whether water is stored, which areas are rarely used and what has changed since the previous assessment. Identify shared supplies or equipment controlled by another owner.

Arrange access with occupants, including entry to relevant storage and plant locations. Provide a contact who understands normal water use. For rented premises, establish who authorises work and who receives instructions about routine controls so practical actions do not stop at a report sent only to the managing agent.

We clarify the property boundary and available information, arrange the competent assessment and agree access. The survey links findings to the actual installation, with inaccessible areas or uncertain pipe routes recorded rather than guessed.

The owner receives the report and prioritised actions. We distinguish a defined repair from further investigation or a change to routine checks. Retain evidence of completed work with the assessment so a later owner, manager or contractor can understand what has been addressed and what remains open.

The size and complexity of the water system, access, records and report requirements affect price. A simple property with clear information differs from shared premises where ownership, storage and distribution need more investigation.

Coordinate entry before attendance and explain any rooms that cannot be reached. Additional tracing, sampling or remedial work should be separately identified unless included in the agreed scope. If the assessment recommends a plumbing alteration, its outage, making good and return-to-use requirements need their own work plan.

Managing agents need ownership and action responsibility clear. Residential block management needs shared plant and individual property boundaries established. Hospitality premises need variable occupation and actual outlet use understood.

These examples sit within the full sector range. Our service and project offering supports the sectors we serve, with the assessment matched to the property, water services and people using them.

We cover Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley, including Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnwick, Morpeth, Hexham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar and Cleveland. View all locations.

Provide the complete address and access contact. For a group of properties, keep the water-system details and outstanding actions linked to the correct premises rather than merging them into one generic report.

No. Sampling follows the system and circumstances where it is appropriate. An assessment can identify the controls needed without treating a laboratory test as a standard purchase for every property.

Yes. The occupier's knowledge of normal use, unused areas and recent problems helps the survey. Agree access and who receives any instructions affecting day-to-day use.

Maintain any controls that support the finding and review the assessment when circumstances change. Low risk describes an assessed arrangement, not a permanent exemption from managing the property.

Retain the work record against the assessment action, including the location and relevant checks. This allows the next review to distinguish a resolved defect from an outstanding recommendation.

Read What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment? and the Water Hygiene Checklist. Explore the Knowledge Centre.

See Plumbing and Water, Water Hygiene and Legionella, Water Sampling and Testing, Asset Maintenance and Compliance Remedial Works. Browse all services, maintenance, projects, sectors and locations.

Contact Black & White Property Services with the address, current records and reason for assessment. Include owner and occupier contacts so the survey and action handover can be arranged properly.