L8 ACOP / GUIDANCE
Legionnaires’ Disease HSE L8
“Legionnaires’ disease – The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems Approved Code of Practice & Guidance 4th edition 2013” – commonly known as L8, is designed to give you practical advice on how you comply with the legal duties in relation to legionella.
This document includes identification, assessment and management of sources of risk from legionella, the preparation of a scheme of control, required record keeping from monitoring and management activities and the appointment of responsible persons.
It provides advice on the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) for the risks associated with exposure to legionella bacteria.
Approved Code of Practice L8 – 4th Edition 2013
L8 states that it is a legal requirement for employers and those with responsibilities for the control of premises to:
a) Identify and assess the source of risk – This is a Phase Technology Legionella Risk Assessment More >
b) Prepare a written scheme for preventing or controlling the risk – This is a component of the Phase Technology Legionella Risk Assessment and SafeWater Monitoring System More >
c) Implement, manage and monitor precautions – This means you have to undertake tests, inspections and water sampling to ensure your control regime is effective. This is a component of the Phase Technology Monitoring Programmes. More >
d) Keep records of these precautions – This is a component of the Phase Technology SafeWater Monitoring System More >
e) Appoint a person to be managerially responsible – The Responsible Person is the most important person in the legionella management chain.
It is important to note that the Responsible Person must have the financial authority to implement the control scheme and authorise corrective actions when they are required. HSE Guide for the responsible person is available. Download here.