ACOP L8: Your Essential Guide to
Legionella Control and Compliance in the UK
Understanding your responsibilities for Legionella control is paramount for any UK Duty Holder managing water systems. The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Approved Code of Practice L8, often referred to as ACOP L8, provides the definitive practical guidance on how to comply with UK health and safety law concerning the risk from Legionella bacteria. This guide helps you navigate these crucial requirements, outlining the steps needed to manage risks effectively and protect people from Legionnaires’ disease.
At Pipe Testing Services (PTS), we specialise in providing comprehensive solutions to help businesses and landlords across the UK meet their ACOP L8 obligations. We understand that compliance can seem complex. Therefore, our experts are here to provide clarity and support every step of the way, from initial risk assessment to ongoing monitoring and control.
Understanding Your
Legal Obligations Under ACOP L8
ACOP L8 holds a special legal status. While not law itself, following its guidance is normally enough to demonstrate compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) concerning Legionella risks. If you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, and it’s shown you didn’t follow the relevant provisions of ACOP L8, you will need to prove you complied with the law in some other way.
Essentially, ACOP L8 clearly defines the responsibilities of the “Duty Holder.” This refers to employers, those in control of premises (like landlords or managing agents), and anyone who has, to any extent, control of a water system within those premises. Your primary duty is to take suitable precautions to prevent or control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.
Key Requirements of ACOP L8: The Core of Legionella Control
- 1. Identify and Assess Sources of Risk (The Legionella Risk Assessment)
The absolute first step, and a legal requirement, is to carry out a suitable and sufficient Legionella Risk Assessment. This comprehensive evaluation must be conducted by a competent person. Its purpose is to identify potential hazards, assess the risks of exposure to Legionella from your water systems, and determine if current control measures are adequate. The assessment should consider:
- The type of water system (e.g., hot and cold water, cooling towers, spa pools).
- Conditions that favour Legionella growth (e.g., water temperatures between 20-45°C, stagnation, presence of nutrients like scale or biofilm).
- The likelihood of aerosol generation and dispersal.
- The susceptibility of people who might be exposed.
PTS provides expert Legionella Risk Assessment services tailored to your specific premises.
- 2. Prepare a Written Scheme for Controlling the Risk
Following the risk assessment, you must establish a written scheme of control. This document details how you will manage the identified Legionella risks. It should include:
- An up-to-date plan or schematic of your water system(s).
- Clear allocation of responsibilities (including the named Responsible Person).
- Procedures for the safe operation of the system.
- Details of the control measures and checks to be carried out, and their frequency.
- Contingency plans for foreseeable events (e.g., positive Legionella samples, system breakdown).
- A process for reviewing the effectiveness of the scheme.
- 3. Implement, Manage, and Monitor Precautions (Control Measures)
The written scheme must then be put into action. This involves implementing appropriate control measures and ensuring they are consistently managed and monitored. Common control measures include:
- Temperature Control: Ensuring hot water is stored above 60°C and distributed so it reaches outlets above 50°C, while cold water is kept below 20°C.
- Managing Stagnation: Regularly flushing little-used outlets and removing dead legs (redundant pipework).
- Cleaning and Disinfection: Periodically cleaning and disinfecting systems, especially cold water storage tanks and shower heads. PTS offers professional Chlorination Services.
- Biocide Use: For some systems (e.g., cooling towers), carefully controlled biocide dosing is a key control.
- Keeping Systems Clean: Preventing contamination and biofilm build-up.
Ongoing Legionella Monitoring is vital to verify these measures are working. Learn about our Legionella Monitoring services.
- 4. Keep Detailed Records of All Precautions
ACOP L8 places significant emphasis on record-keeping. You must maintain records of:
- The significant findings of the Legionella Risk Assessment.
- The written scheme of control.
- Details of all monitoring checks, inspections, tests (including Legionella Testing results), and maintenance carried out.
- Details of any Legionella Remedial Works undertaken.
- Information and training provided to relevant staff.
These records should generally be kept for at least five years and provide evidence of your compliance.
- 5. Appoint a Competent Person (The "Responsible Person")
A Duty Holder must appoint a “Responsible Person” (or persons) to take managerial responsibility for controlling Legionella risk. This individual must be competent, meaning they have sufficient authority, knowledge, experience, and training to implement and manage the control scheme effectively. Other staff involved in control measures also need appropriate training.
Ensuring Compliance with ACOP L8 – How PTS Supports You
Navigating ACOP L8 can be challenging, but Pipe Testing Services is here to simplify the process and ensure your full compliance. We provide a comprehensive suite of services that directly address the key requirements:
Our Legionella Risk Assessments are conducted by certified and experienced assessors, identifying any non-compliances and providing clear, prioritised recommendations. We can then assist in developing or refining your written scheme of control.
To help you implement, manage, and monitor precautions, PTS offers tailored Legionella Monitoring programs. These include regular temperature checks, flushing regimes, visual inspections, and Legionella Testing (using UKAS-accredited labs) where indicated by your risk assessment. Should your assessment highlight the need for corrective actions, our skilled engineers carry out effective Legionella Remedial Works, from system disinfections to pipework modifications. We provide comprehensive records for all services undertaken.
Ensuring Compliance with ACOP L8 – How PTS Supports You
Failure to comply with ACOP L8 and manage Legionella risks effectively can have severe consequences. Duty Holders found in breach of health and safety law may face:
- Substantial fines issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
- Improvement or Prohibition Notices requiring urgent action.
- Legal prosecution, potentially leading to imprisonment in serious cases.
- Significant reputational damage to your organisation.
- Most critically, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease can lead to serious illness, fatalities, and extensive investigation and litigation costs.
Partnering with PTS helps you mitigate these risks and ensure your organisation remains compliant with the latest regulations and industry best practices.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
The understanding of Legionella control evolves, and guidance is periodically updated. At PTS, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. Our experts continuously update their knowledge through training and professional development, ensuring we provide the most current and effective advice and services to help you maintain a safe and compliant water system.
Contact Pipe Testing Services for ACOP L8 Compliance
Ensure your water systems are safe and fully compliant with ACOP L8. Partner with Pipe Testing Services, a recognised leader in Legionella control and water hygiene. Our team of experts offers comprehensive services, from Legionella Risk Assessments to ongoing Monitoring and effective Remedial Works.
Don’t compromise on water system safety. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a robust, compliant, and safe water management system.
- Phone – 01922 451646
- Email – enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
- Address – Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
Let PTS help you navigate ACOP L8 with confidence.
ACOP L8 Compliance - FAQs
What is the purpose of ACOP L8?
ACOP L8 provides practical guidance on the control and management of Legionella bacteria in water systems, helping duty holders comply with legal and regulatory requirements to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.
Who is responsible for ensuring ACOP L8 compliance?
Duty holders, including employers, landlords, and those responsible for premises, are legally obligated to ensure compliance with ACOP L8 and maintain water system safety.
How often should Legionella risk assessments be conducted?
Risk assessments should be carried out regularly, with the frequency determined by the level of risk, changes in the water system or its use, and if a case of legionellosis is reported.
What are some key control measures ACOP L8 recommends?
Key measures include temperature control (keeping hot water hot and cold water cold), preventing water stagnation (e.g., flushing), keeping systems clean, controlling biofilm, and using biocides where appropriate (e.g., in cooling towers).
Is Legionella awareness training required by ACOP L8?
Yes, ACOP L8 requires that anyone involved in managing or carrying out control measures (including the Responsible Person) is competent and has received appropriate training.