Further to our recent seminar on the ACoP L8 changes, the HSE have published their Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) L8 – 4th edition, and technical guidance documents dealing with the management of Legionnaires’ disease risks and the control of legionella bacteria in water systems.
The new ACoP and HSG274 guidance is for dutyholders, which includes employers, those in control of premises and those with health and safety responsibilities for others, to help them comply with their legal duties. These include identifying and assessing sources of risk, preparing a scheme to prevent or control risk, implementing, managing and monitoring precautions, keeping records of precautions and appointing a manager responsible for others.
The guidance gives practical advice on the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 concerning the risk from exposure to legionella and guidance on compliance with the relevant parts of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The HSG274 guidance is in three parts:
- Part 1: The control of legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems
- Part 2: The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems – Interim guidance based on the previous edition of L8.
- Part 3: The control of legionella bacteria in other risk systems
The HSE advise that the complete and final Part 2, covering hot and cold water systems, will be published in 2014.
Visit the HSE website to download the online HSG274 guidance here
