Commercial Legionella Risk Assessments: ACOP L8 Compliance Guide
Commercial legionella risk assessments are a legal requirement for all premises with a water system that could create a risk of legionella exposure. The Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACOP L8) and its associated technical guidance (HSG274 Parts 1, 2, and 3) set out the framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling legionella risks in commercial […]
Legionella Prevention: Temperature Monitoring and Flushing Regimes
Temperature monitoring and flushing are critical legionella controls per HSE guidance (ACOP L8 and HSG274). Hot water: store at 60°C+ in calorifier, distribute at 50°C+. Monthly temperature checks at sentinel points and representative outlets on rotation. Cold water: store and distribute below 20°C. Monthly checks at sentinel points. Annual water tank inspections. Flushing: low-use outlets […]
Legionella Risk Assessments: What Landlords Must Know
Landlords have a legal duty to assess and control the risk of exposure to legionella bacteria in water systems under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and COSHH Regulations 2002. HSE guidance (ACOP L8 and HSG274) provides detailed requirements. A legionella risk assessment should consider: water system layout, potential contamination sources, people at […]
Types of Asbestos Survey: Management vs Refurbishment and Demolition
There are two main types of asbestos survey defined by HSG264 (the HSE’s guidance on asbestos surveys): the management survey and the refurbishment and demolition (R&D) survey. Understanding when each type is required is essential for building owners and duty holders who must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. An asbestos management survey […]
Asbestos Surveys Before Refurbishment: What’s Required
Before refurbishment or demolition, a suitable asbestos survey is required. Management Surveys may not suffice for intrusive work — a Refurbishment/Demolition (R&D) Survey is needed. R&D Surveys are more intrusive, involving lifting floor coverings, opening walls and ceilings, and sampling hidden materials. For large projects, UKAS-accredited surveyors are recommended. If asbestos-containing materials are found, they […]
Asbestos Management Plans: Duties for Building Owners
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the duty holder has a duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, including the communal areas of residential buildings. The duty requires taking reasonable steps to find asbestos-containing materials, presuming materials contain asbestos unless proven otherwise, maintaining a register, assessing risks, and implementing a management […]
The Building Safety Act 2022: A Complete Summary for Duty Holders
The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) is the most significant piece of building safety legislation in a generation. Born from the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it fundamentally reforms how residential buildings are designed, constructed, managed, and regulated throughout their lifecycle. The Act creates a new Building […]
The Building Safety Regulator: Powers, Duties, and What to Expect
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) was established within HSE by the Building Safety Act 2022, with oversight of all buildings and specific responsibilities for higher-risk buildings. BSR powers include: inspecting buildings, requiring information, issuing compliance notices, prosecuting for serious failures, and preventing occupation of unsafe buildings. Accountable persons must: register higher-risk buildings, maintain Building Safety […]
How to Prepare a Building Safety Case for Higher-Risk Buildings
The Building Safety Act 2022 requires the Principal Accountable Person for higher-risk buildings to prepare and maintain a Building Safety Case demonstrating how building safety risks are being managed. A Building Safety Case must include: a description of the building, identification of building safety risks, an assessment of existing safety measures, details of the safety […]
Do I Need an HMO Licence? A Guide to Mandatory and Additional Licensing
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least three people who form more than one household and share facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen. If you let a property that meets this definition, you may need an HMO licence from your local authority. Operating an unlicensable HMO is […]