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Pair of flexi hoses under a sink The Overlooked Risk Inside Flexi Hoses Flexible braided hoses, or flexi hoses, are a familiar sight in commercial plumbing. Whether they’re used to connect sinks, taps or appliances, their flexibility and ease of installation make them a popular choice. However, what many facilities managers don’t realise is that the very materials inside these hoses can create the perfect environment for Legionella bacteria to grow. Legionella pneumophila, t

COVID-19 has changed how commercial buildings are used. While full closures were a short-term disruption, the long-term shift toward hybrid and remote working has resulted in a quieter, less consistently used built environment. For facilities managers, this poses a subtle but serious problem: water systems that are underused or intermittently operated can become breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria . Understanding this ongoing risk and how to manage it is now more importa

What Is a Legionella Risk Assessment? A Legionella risk assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of water systems within a building to identify and manage the risk from the proliferation of the Legionella bacteria . Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease , a severe form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets. The assessment aims to pinpoint potential sources of Legionella growth and implement control measures to mitigate associated risks

A Sudden Health Crisis in the Heart of Sydney In April 2025, Sydney’s busy Central Business District (CBD) became the centre of a serious public health investigation. Twelve people contracted Legionnaires’ disease after spending time in the city between March 13 and April 5. Tragically, one man in his 50s passed away, while several others were hospitalised with severe pneumonia-like symptoms. Notably, the cases were unconnected-the individuals did not know each other-which s

Dead-end pipework before and after removal. Introduction Water stagnation is a hidden issue in many commercial buildings — and one that can have serious consequences if overlooked. From poor water quality and system inefficiencies to the growth of harmful bacteria like Legionella , the risks are real. For facilities managers, being able to identify and prevent stagnation is not just about ticking boxes - it’s about protecting people, staying compliant, and keeping systems run

As a facilities manager, ensuring the safety and compliance of your building's water systems is paramount. A critical component of this responsibility involves understanding and implementing the Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) , which provides comprehensive guidelines for controlling Legionella bacteria in commercial water systems.​ What Is ACoP L8? ACoP L8 is a legal document issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, offering practical advice on contr

So, you’ve had your Legionella risk assessment completed. Great start - that puts you ahead of many. However, the most important part now is taking action . The evaluation itself won’t protect your building, users, or your compliance status. It’s what you do next that matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to take after an assessment, outline your legal obligations, and show you how to put a watertight Water Safety Plan in place - all with a practical,

As a facilities manager , ensuring the safety of your building’s water systems is a critical responsibility. One of the biggest risks? Legionella bacteria , which thrive in water systems and can cause Legionnaires’ disease - a potentially fatal form of pneumonia. To stay compliant and protect building occupants, you need to conduct regular Legionella risk assessments . But how often should these be carried out? This guide breaks down best practices, legal requirements , an