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It is one of the most common questions facilities managers ask when they start looking into their legionella compliance obligations — and the answer is not as straightforward as you might hope. The short version is that the law does not specify a particular qualification, but it does set a clear standard of competence that the person carrying out the assessment must meet. Getting that wrong carries serious consequences. This guide sets out who the regulations say can carry ou

HSG274 Part 1 If you are responsible for managing a commercial building, you have almost certainly come across the term HSG274 at some point — probably in the context of legionella compliance or a water hygiene audit. But knowing what it is, what it actually requires, and how it fits into the wider legal framework is another matter. This guide sets out the essentials in plain language. HSG274 Explained: The Basics HSG274 is a series of technical guidance documents published b

If you manage a commercial building, keeping on top of your cold water storage tanks is one of those responsibilities that is easy to push down the list — until something goes wrong. The reality is that water tank cleaning is not just a hygiene issue; it is a legal compliance issue, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be serious. This guide sets out what the regulations actually require, the factors that should inform your cleaning schedule, and the warning signs tha

Legionnaires’ disease rarely develops because of one major failure. In most commercial buildings, the risk builds slowly over time through a combination of stagnant water, unstable temperatures, poor water turnover and overlooked maintenance issues. For facilities managers, that is what makes Legionella control challenging. Problems are often hidden inside systems that appear to be operating normally. A little used shower, poorly insulated pipework, oversized cold water stora

For facilities managers, temperature control is one of the most practical ways to manage Legionella risk in hot and cold water systems. The simple answer is that Legionella bacteria do not survive above 60°C, but the full picture is slightly more useful than that. Legionella does not usually die instantly the moment water reaches a certain temperature. The higher the temperature, and the longer the bacteria are exposed to it, the more effective the control becomes. That is wh

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria . It is usually caught by breathing in tiny droplets of water (aerosols) that contain the bacteria. It is important to understand that Legionnaires’ disease is not spread from person to person in the way colds and flu are. Instead, it is linked to man made water systems , particularly in larger or more complex buildings. For facilities managers and duty holders, Legionnaires’ disease is one of

If you are responsible for managing a building’s water system, understanding what a dead leg is and why it matters is essential. Dead legs are closely linked to water stagnation, loss of disinfectant protection, and conditions that increase the risk of Legionella bacteria developing within pipework. Put simply, a dead leg is a section of pipe where water does not flow often enough, or at all. The water inside becomes stagnant, meaning it sits for extended periods without bein

Keeping a building’s water systems safe is one of those responsibilities that sits quietly in the background until something goes wrong. Most facilities managers know temperature checks, flushing routines and general upkeep are vital, but the area that often raises the most questions is testing for Legionella . The process is not complicated, although it does need a structured approach and a clear understanding of why each step matters. Legionella bacteria can appear in water