The Approved Code of Practice for Legionella Control (ACoP L8) has been updated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and there are some significant changes that ALS Environmental would like to draw your attention to. The updated guidance for Legionella  issued by the HSE includes the update to ACoP L8 and the associated Technical Guidance HSG274 as well as a brief guide for duty holders on Legionnaires disease.

The ACoP L8 document – “Legionnaires disease. The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems” is aimed at duty holders (those in control of premises and responsible for health and safety) to help them comply with their legal duties in relation to Legionella. The ACoP L8 document includes the following information:

• Appointing a manager to be responsible for others - The responsible person(s)
• Risk Assessment
• Written procedures
• Record keeping
• Prevention and Control measures

Pervinder Johal, Coventry Microbiology Operations Manager states:

ALS Environmental provides analytical services that are compliant with L8 and HSG274. Our Legionella laboratory in Coventry is fully automated and uses the latest technology for analysing your samples. We are also LCA registered and UKAS ISO/EN 17025 accredited. Our range of Microbiological services also includes, but is not limited to, the analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in line with HTM04-01, Cryptosporidium, Listeria and Salmonella.

The main changes to ACoP L8 surround the removal of Part 2, the technical guidance, which is published separately in HSG274. This comes in 3 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
• Part 3: The control of Legionella bacteria in other risk systems

To discuss the changes to ACoP L8 and the introduction of HSG 274 with our technical team please contact us or call 024 7642 1213