What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria found naturally in water. It can cause Legionnaires' disease — a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia — when contaminated water droplets are inhaled. It can also cause the milder Pontiac fever.

How Does it Spread?

• Inhalation of fine water droplets (aerosols) from contaminated water systems
• Common sources: showers, taps, hot tubs, cooling towers, spray systems
• It cannot be spread from person to person
• Bacteria thrive between 20°C and 45°C and in stagnant water

Landlord Responsibilities at a Glance

• ✓ Carry out a Legionella risk assessment for every rental property
• ✓ Implement appropriate control measures
• ✓ Keep written records of assessments and actions
• ✓ Review the assessment when circumstances change
• ✓ Inform tenants of any identified risks and precautions

Simple Control Measures for Low-Risk Properties

• Store hot water at 60°C or above
• Keep cold water below 20°C
• Flush infrequently used outlets weekly (especially during void periods)
• Clean and descale showerheads every 3 months
• Remove dead-legs from pipework where possible
• Ensure water does not stagnate in tanks or pipes

Who is Most at Risk?

• People aged 45 and over
• Smokers and heavy drinkers
• People with chronic respiratory or kidney disease
• Those with diabetes, lung or heart disease
• People with impaired immune systems

Key Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• COSHH Regulations 2002
• HSE Approved Code of Practice L8
• HSE Technical Guidance HSG274

When to Seek Professional Help

If your property has a complex water system (storage tanks, recirculating systems, hot tubs), or if you are unsure about any aspect of your assessment, engage a competent specialist contractor who is a member of the Legionella Control Association (LCA).