Hello all

This is the first time I have posted here so please forgive me if it’s the wrong section.

I have a client who needs a slight push and a lot of convincing that this actually applies to him. I'm looking for some advice in obtaining a Landlords Risk Assessment. I realise that multiple properties are not subjected to the full Legionella risk assessment process but I am at a loss to find something that they can do themselves to maintain continuity and meet statutory requirements. 

Can anyone point me in the direction of documentation and guidance.

Any help would be great.

Cheers

Jock

Edited by user 05 July 2017 14:02:50(UTC)  | Reason: spelling

Try this to start with :)

http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires/legionella-landlords-responsibilities.htm

I haven't come across that arguement before concerning investment.

HSE use s.53 of HASWA definition to apply s.3 to landlords:

“self-employed person” means an individual who works for gain or reward otherwise than under a contract of employment, whether or not he himself employs others

Feels like a fun one for lawyers to make money out of arguing about at some point.

As to the idea that you don't need to do a 'full' legionella risk assessment process - I get where you're going with this but don't technically agree.  You risk assess or you don't and it will either be suitable and sufficient or it won't.

You can start with some assumptions of low risk and test those through a simple checklist approach but you need to be appropriately prepared to identify areas where you may need to step up from a simple tool to bringing in someone more specialist i.e. generally if it looks like system is complex such as in shared water supplies across a large block of flats.

Frankly the HSE would have saved a lot of landlords being stung by shysters if they'd just created that simple model for landlords to use.  They've virtually done it with the advice on the page linked to above but just put it all in narrative form.

Some risk factors to look out for:

- periods of vacancy

- outlets not in regular use

- volume of stored water (excess hot/cold could stagnate)

- tenants having access to thermostat control on stored hot water and being likely to turn it down

- ensuring tenants given advice at commencement of tenancy concerning cleaning

- considering whether tenancy agreement includes relevant maintenance duties on landlord

- water supply being private as opposed to mains

As a rule in simple domestic house properties the water turnover is usually continuous and high and temperatures sufficient that risk is low.  If water pipework is simple and obvious then you won't need a schematic drawing etc.