ALS Environmental would like to raise awareness of the consultation of HSG 274, Part 2 (The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems) to the market as any potential changes could have an impact on your own Legionella control and monitoring programmes. The deadline for comment is Sunday the 2nd March 2014.

Since the updated Approved Code of Practice for Legionella (ACOP L8) was launched in November 2013, ALS Environmental have seen a significant increase in the number of Legionella samples submitted by our clients for analysis. With the final version of the Technical Guidance set to be issued in Spring 2014, we felt that the opportunity to help shape the upcoming regulations was one that we had to share with our customers.

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 bacteria, and guidance on compliance with the relevant parts of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The Health and Safety Executive has asked interested parties to comment on the draft version of HSG274 Technical Guidance: Part 2 - The control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems. This guidance forms part of the revised ACOP L8 document that was issued on the 25th November 2013. Simon Benton (Principal Scientist at ALS Environmental) comments:

"As any changes to the Technical Guidance surrounding the control of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water systems could have an impact on the operations of our customers, we felt it prudent to raise awareness in the industry. ALS Environmental are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers with ongoing technical advances and maintaining our finger on the pulse of the markets requirements."

Please note that the deadline for comment on this piece of guidance has now closed.

If you would like to discuss your Legionella testing requirements with ALS Environmental then please contact us or call 02476 42 12 13.