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Thundercliffe26308  
#1 Posted : 06 September 2011 11:06:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Thundercliffe26308

I am sure some one will know the answer to this, we are just taking over premsies with air conditioniong which are managed by landlord, We have a certificate form the landlord to state thet the air con unit has been tested i believe this is a five yearly test, what is the time scale for legionella testing?

is it included with the 5 yearly test? or should it be completed every year ?
Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 06 September 2011 11:24:43(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

The maintenance schedule would have been determined by a competent person and all relevant intervals and schedules should be available on-site for your scrutiny.
L8 is available for free pdf fron HSE website. Pages 24 and 32 refer.
The frequency of biological monitoring will be very much dependent on the system and biocide regime and is also something for the competent person to determine.
In any event, a 5 year interval for an "at risk" system would seem excessive - but then I'n not L8 competent.
Jackson900572  
#3 Posted : 06 September 2011 11:36:39(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Jackson900572

This all depends on the type of air conditioning system that you have in place. If its a office building with a closed system that has a fan unit outside and a wall / ceiling mounted unit inside and is cooled by a refrigerant, then the likelihood of legionella is slim and should be described within your risk assessment, as if someone has a health condition, that could be affected by a small dose of legionella bacteria, then this should considered in any investigations, but for actually regular testing for legionella, this is not a common practice, it can be done but it is very costly.
If the air conditioning system is where the air is cooled by passing through a water system, then regular checks on that water need to be carried out as described by Ron, which would also be supported with the water tank temperature checks on a regular basis. As the water temperature within stored systems has a big part to play with the concentration of the bacteria
A risk assessment is required under L8, and review after any alterations to the system or after 2yrs, by a competent person.
smitch  
#4 Posted : 06 September 2011 11:49:27(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
smitch

Sound advise from both Ron & Jackson:

5 years between tests does seem excessive, however perhaps the other existing controls in place, or type of air con system can justify this time frame????

Therefore I would suggest you ask to see the risk assessment in order to ensure that it (a) was carried out by a competent person and (b) is up to date (i.e. reflects the air con system as it stands now).

If in doubt on either of the above then perhaps you can suggest the landlord has the assessment either re-done or reviewed.
Thundercliffe26308  
#5 Posted : 07 September 2011 09:42:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Thundercliffe26308

Thanks for the information, the responsibility for the aircon unit and related testing and maintenance has now been accepted by the facilities department that manage the premises.
Which is a load of my every increasing in tray
MB1  
#6 Posted : 07 September 2011 10:19:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

http://www.businesslink....URCES&type=RESOURCES

Units (or collective units) with output>12KW may require 5 yearly inspection I think?
Phil W  
#7 Posted : 07 September 2011 12:09:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Phil W

The 5 yearly inspection of systems over 12kWh (could be a single unit or a combination of units) is with regards to the energy efficiency of the system – nothing to do with legionella.
Phil
MB1  
#8 Posted : 07 September 2011 12:11:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1

I agree Phil,

Just threw it into the ring as 5 yearly testing was mentioned in earlier post and it may have relevant why the time scale was first mentioned.
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