Legionella Risk Assessment Ireland
Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems and cause Legionnaires’ Disease, a potentially serious form of pneumonia. Businesses and property owners have a legal responsibility to assess and control the risk of Legionella within their premises. Safety Squad provides professional Legionella Risk Assessments throughout Ireland, helping organisations remain compliant while protecting staff, residents, visitors, and customers.
The Legal Duty to Control Legionella in Ireland
Employers and duty holders have a legal obligation to manage Legionella risks under Irish health and safety legislation.
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 – requires employers to identify and control workplace hazards, including biological agents.
- Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013 – classifies Legionella as a biological hazard requiring appropriate controls.
- HPSC Code of Practice for the Control of Legionella in Water Systems – provides technical guidance on Legionella prevention and control.
- Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspections may include Legionella management where applicable.
Failure to manage Legionella risks can result in enforcement notices, legal liability, insurance complications, reputational damage, and potential prosecution in serious cases.
Which Buildings Are at Risk?
Any building with stored or circulating water between 20°C and 45°C may create conditions where Legionella bacteria can multiply.
- Hotels, leisure centres, gyms, and spas
- Healthcare facilities and nursing homes
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Office buildings with hot water systems
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Industrial facilities with cooling towers or process water systems
- Buildings with low occupancy or prolonged periods of vacancy
What Does a Legionella Risk Assessment Include?
System Survey & Schematic
Our consultants inspect and document your water system, including storage tanks, calorifiers, pipework, outlets, showers, cooling systems, and associated equipment.
Risk Evaluation
We assess the system against HPSC guidance and identify conditions that could encourage Legionella growth, including water stagnation, poor temperature control, scale build-up, biofilm formation, and vulnerable occupants.
Written Risk Assessment Report
You receive a comprehensive report outlining hazards, current controls, compliance status, and recommended corrective actions.
Water Temperature Monitoring
Temperature readings are taken throughout the system to verify compliance with recommended temperature controls:
- Hot water stored above 60°C
- Hot water delivered above 50°C
- Cold water maintained below 20°C
Water Sampling & Laboratory Testing
Where appropriate, water samples can be collected and submitted for laboratory analysis to detect the presence and concentration of Legionella bacteria.
Legionella Control Scheme Documentation
For higher-risk premises, we develop and maintain written Legionella control schemes, monitoring procedures, and management responsibilities.
Ongoing Legionella Management
Effective Legionella control requires more than a one-time assessment. Ongoing management is essential to maintain compliance and protect building users.
- Regular water temperature monitoring
- Routine inspections and maintenance
- Tank cleaning and disinfection programmes
- System flushing and water hygiene controls
- Annual review of Legionella risk assessments
- Compliance documentation and record keeping
Why Choose Safety Squad?
- Experienced and competent Legionella risk assessors
- Comprehensive inspections and reporting
- Practical recommendations tailored to your premises
- Support with ongoing monitoring and compliance
- Digital document management through the Safety Squad App
- Trusted by businesses and property managers across Ireland
Book Your Legionella Risk Assessment
Protect your staff, residents, customers, and visitors by ensuring your water systems are properly assessed and managed.
Call 01 636 3112 to arrange a Legionella Risk Assessment, or complete our enquiry form today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legionella?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can grow in water systems and cause Legionnaires’ Disease, a potentially serious lung infection.
Who is responsible for Legionella control?
Employers, landlords, property managers, building owners, and other duty holders are responsible for identifying and controlling Legionella risks within their premises.
Is a Legionella Risk Assessment legally required?
Risk assessments are required where water systems could present a Legionella risk. Employers must assess biological hazards and implement suitable control measures.
How often should a Legionella Risk Assessment be reviewed?
Most assessments should be reviewed annually or whenever there are significant changes to the building, occupancy, or water system.
What temperature kills Legionella bacteria?
Legionella bacteria begin to die at temperatures above 50°C and are rapidly killed at temperatures above 60°C.
Do all buildings require water testing?
Not necessarily. Water sampling is usually carried out when the risk assessment identifies concerns or where higher-risk systems are present.
Can vacant buildings develop Legionella problems?
Yes. Buildings with low occupancy or stagnant water systems are at increased risk because water circulation is reduced.
What happens after the assessment?
You receive a detailed report with findings, risk ratings, recommended actions, and guidance on ongoing management requirements.
Can Safety Squad provide ongoing Legionella management?
Yes. We offer monitoring programmes, temperature checks, compliance reviews, documentation management, and annual reassessments.
What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.