What happens during an engineer visit?

Before we visit your home, you will receive a letter from us to say we are coming. We will specify a date and a time slot. If the appointment provided is not convenient, please contact us on 01732 446200 or email [email protected] to rearrange.

Our engineer will arrive at the agreed time and will show you their photo ID card. They will only need access to your home for approximately 15 minutes, during which time they will check and make a note of all water outlets (taps, toilet, shower etc.), and other equipment through which water passes (pipes, water tank, boiler etc.).

They will check water temperatures and make a note of any corrosion, limescale, rust or other potential areas of concern. They may also take photographs of some parts of the water system, as a record of their visit. On some occasions they may take a water sample for testing.

They might ask you some questions about how you use your water e.g. how often taps or showers are used or toilets flushed, or if you have noticed any problems with water temperature or sediment in the water.

If you have any questions or concerns, they will be happy to answer them.

Once we have completed the risk assessment, a copy is provided to your landlord. Under normal circumstances, we will visit a residential property every six or seven years to review our risk assessment. However, if any building works or improvements are carried out which affect the water system, a risk assessment review may be needed sooner.

In any communal areas e.g. offices, cleaners’ cupboards, shared lounges, drop-in centres etc., we do a risk assessment every two years.

FAQs

What is Legionella?

Legionella pneumophila (commonly known as Legionella) is the bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease. It is often found in natural water sources such as rivers and ponds, however, it can rapidly multiply if it gets into manmade hot and cold water systems, especially if the system provides a source of ‘food’ such as limescale, rust or algae. The bacteria thrives at temperatures between 20°C and 50°C and the organism can colonise large and small water systems so both must be managed effectively to prevent risk to human life.

What is Legionnaires’ disease?

The Legionella bacteria is commonly found in nature. It mainly lives in bodies of water e.g. ponds and lakes, and is usually harmless.

Outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease originate in manmade water systems where temperatures are suitable to encourage growth of the bacteria (i.e. between 20°C and 50°C), e.g. in evaporative condensers, cooling towers, spa pools/hot tubs and from water used for domestic purposes in buildings such as offices, hospitals, hotels.

Most UK outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been traced to air-conditioning or water cooling systems which can spread infected droplets of water over a large area.

What are the symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease?

Initial symptoms usually include flu-like symptoms, such as mild headaches, muscle pain, high temperature (usually 38°C or above), chills, tiredness, and a confused mental state. Once bacteria begin to infect the lungs symptoms of pneumonia may develop, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath or chest pains. It usually takes six to seven days between getting the infection and the start of symptoms (known as the incubation period), although it can be any time from two to 19 days. As it has similar symptoms to other illnesses, a urine or blood test can be used to check for Legionnaires' disease. The infection isn't contagious and can't be spread directly from person to person.

What is the treatment for Legionnaires’ disease?

Sufferers are usually hospitalised and treated with antibiotics.

What are the laws which apply to the control of Legionella?

There are a number of different regulations which relate to the control of Legionella, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

What measures can be used to control Legionella?

Measures used to control Legionella include regular cleaning and flushing of the water system, regulation of water temperatures and maintaining safe pipework. Employing a professional, accredited firm to carry out regular risk assessments can be one way to comply with regulations.

What should I do if I am worried about water hygiene in my home?

Contact your social housing provider with your concerns, telling them why you are worried and describing any changes in your water supply e.g. discolouration or temperature changes.

How often will an engineer visit my property?

We visit tenants’ properties in line with government guidelines, which is currently around 6 -7 years depending on your providers portfolio size and complexity but they must be reviewed in a reasonable period of time. For communal buildings or areas e.g. offices, drop-in centres, common areas of HMOs (houses of multiple occupation), we visit every two years.

What is a Legionella risk assessment?

A Legionella risk assessment is a is a statutory document that lists the parts of a water system in a property and records the level of risk each part presents in relation to Legionella bacteria. It will include information gathered during our visit and list any actions to be taken to reduce the risk. It is a legal requirement for your landlord to carry out and keep a record of the risk assessment.